that nine Bermuda sailors will compete in four separate categories during the Newport to Bermuda race which begins on Friday, June 17.

The 635-mile race, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious, will begin at the entrance to Narragansett Bay between Castle Hill and Beavertail Lighthouses in Newport. It will be the first time the race has not begun at Brenton tower, the traditional starting mark, which has been demolished.

The lone Bermuda entry in the Racing Division will be Longobarda , skippered by Francis Carter of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC). Carter will be assisted by John Thomson, the one-time RBYC commodore, and Chris Law of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

Bermuda will have three entries in the Racer/Cruiser Division -- Alphida with Kirk Cooper, Tsunami with Buddy Rego and Jalapenos Dos , skippered by Jordy Walker.

Dillightful , Vivaci and Monterrey , captained by Nicholas Dill, Colin Couper and Les Crane respectively, will compete in the Cruising Division.

Two boats, skippered by Warren Brown ( Tambourego and John Harries ( Morgan's Cloud ) have been confirmed for the Double Handed class.