An enthusiastic Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) Commodore Allan Williams departs for Marion, Massachusetts today ahead of the start of this year’s Marion Bermuda Race.During his stay on the US East Coast, Williams will get the opportunity to strengthen existing ties between the race’s co-hosts Beverly Yacht Club, Blue Water Sailing Club and RHADC.Speaking from an organisational standpoint, Williams said it was all systems go.“All is arranged at both ends,” he told The Royal Gazette on the eve of his departure.The veteran sailor has been busy in recent months assisting with the local organising of the 645-mile biennial race which is scheduled to get underway on June 14 in Buzzards Bay, Marion, Massachusetts and finish off St David’s Head, Bermuda.Williams had hoped to sail in the event aboard the triple masted sloop Spirit of Bermuda but is unable to do so because of his duties as commodore.“I can’t be drifting out there and miss the responsibilities at this end,” he said.Williams has fond memories sailing in the Marion Bermuda Race, including the inaugural event more than three decades ago with late founding member Geoffrey (Dickie) Bird.“I sailed with Dickie Bird in the first race on his yacht Water Gypsy and many races since, so Marion is like a second home for me,” Williams said.Since its inception the Marion Bermuda Race has evolved into a premier ocean race and sailing event which appeals to a broad range of cruising and racing enthusiasts.“The Marion Race is still orchestrated by many of the original members,” noted Williams. “Between the trustees and volunteers we have established great long lasting friendships and I believe it is this that has kept a unique focus and desire to sustain this event.”A total of 39 yachts have been approved by the race committee for this year’s race. Flying the Island’s banner along with Spirit of Bermuda and is the 40-foot Hinckley Alice Kay.Spirit of Bermuda is competing in the new Classic Yacht Division while Alice Kay is registered in the Founders Division.Even though entry numbers are down from the previous race, Williams anticipates this year’s event will be as successful as any other.“I believe this will be a great event,” he said. “I do wish we had more entries. However, I see this as a means to provide a real quality experience which can be difficult with huge numbers.”Local organisers of the race have planned various social gatherings to provide entertainment for the fleet once they arrive in Bermuda, including a fashion show, tea with Governor George Fergusson and a fish cake cooking demonstration by self-proclaimed fish cake expert Dale Butler.“ This year, for the first time, we are having the prize giving on the dock (at RHADC) followed by the Gala Dinner on the tennis courts,” added Williams. “Plenty of music, food and entertainment.”The RHADC chief said organising the various local social events would not be possible without the support of many behind the scenes.“Charles Dunstan handles the events in Bermuda,” he added. “It’s too much as Commodore to do it all, so we have a brilliant team of volunteers who make it happen.”