The fleet is diverse, the course is tricky and the finish line is in paradise.

That about sums up the Charleston to Bermuda Race, which gets under way today in the harbour.

"Charleston to Bermuda is a special event and the biggest thing is the relationship we have with Bermuda," said Brad Van Liew, executive director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. "They have a passion for the race which I think will ensure it continues to grow."

This year marks a first for the race: The Spirit of South Carolina will run the race in an exhibition category, giving the crew a little race experience in the tall ship as it makes its maiden voyage to the Island. The Spirit will participate in Bermuda's tall ship event.

This is the seventh running of the race, which began in 1997 as the idea of two local sailors and marine industry professionals, David Browder and Rick Hennigar.

"The thought of an Island paradise just seven hundred miles due east over the horizon, so easily attainable by simply sailing three to six days, is incentive enough for staging an event," Browder wrote at the time.

Since that time, there have been six races, one every other year. In that time, the fleet has ranged from six to 20 boats. Any boat 30 feet or longer is welcome to enter. As such, it's become something of a family event.

But make no mistake, this is a real tough race. Boats have to cross the Gulf Stream, with its unpredictable weather and currents, on the 777-mile voyage to Bermuda.

So far this year, there are seven entrants besides Spirit in the race. Van Liew attributes the size of the fleet to the economy and predicts it will rebound quickly.

"It's important to let it live and breath, and to make sure we support it," he said. "We're confident it's going to remain as strong as it has always been."

The starting line is in the harbour, just off the Maritime Centre (near the South Carolina Aquarium). The Spirit crosses the start line at noon, quickly followed by the other entrants. Viewing is free, and Bermudan officials are expected to see the fleet off.

The boats are expected to sail along the peninsula at least as far down as Waterfront Park before turning east for the race.

The awards ceremony for the race will be at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on Saturday, June 6 at 6 p.m.