Next month's annual Long Distance Comet Race has been forced to switch from its traditional date in order to avoid a clash with the parade of visiting tall ships.

Had the race gone ahead on Monday, June 12, organisers feared the two fleets would have got in each other's way on North Shore, raising the possibility of a collision.

The popular West End Sailboat Club event, which this year takes sailors from St. George's to Somerset, will now be held on Sunday, June 11.

The decision was made a few weeks ago and Gladwin Lambert, the club's sailing chairman and fleet captain, said there had been no complaints from sailors.

"There is no friction over the decision. We have brought our race forward in the best interests of Bermuda which is in the privileged position of hosting a phenomenal and rare event on Monday, June 12,'' said Lambert.

Suggestion of a change of date was originally made by Tourism Minister David Allen and Bermuda Sailing Association officer Brian Billings.

Lambert admitted it would be virtually impossible to stage the two events without putting some boats at risk.

"There could have been major obstacles out there,'' he said. "Our race was to start in St. George's Harbour at 11.00 a.m. and the tall ships were scheduled to leave Hamilton for the east end an hour later.

"Well, depending on the amount of wind, there was no guarante that we would be finished and out of their way. It would have meant us coming against the traffic of the tall ships and that would be horrific because we carry something like 150 spectator boats alone and there will be about 30 comets competing.

"Our decision to bring the race forward appears to have satisfied everybody, the bulk of the sailors I have talked feel it isn't a problem.

"We sent notices out to the other clubs, East End Mini Yacht Club and the Mid Atlantic Boat and Sports Club and so far haven't had any negative repsonse.

"We contemplate that we will get the full support of the other two since it is a unique occasion to have the tall ships here. I personally feel that the changes wil not affect the size of our fleet this year.

"We have had two previous occasions when we have raced on the Sunday, when we had bad weather on the Monday holiday and put it back to the following Sunday and the turnout has been consistent.

"You can also look at the change as being a benefit to everybody really. This way it will give the spectators two days of enjoyment on the seas if they want to see both the comet race and the Tall Ships parade.''