in Marion, MassachusettsTourism Minister Shawn Crockwell has extended a warm welcome to this year’s Marion Bermuda Race fleet that will set sail from Buzzards Bay in Marion, Massachusetts today.“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, let me extend a warm welcome to the Marion to Bermuda (Race) participants, their supporters and families,” the Minister said. “I wish all participants smooth sailing and may the wind always be at your back.”After days at the sea, the 645-mile ocean race will conclude off St David’s Head, which is the home port of race co-hosts Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC).“As co-sponsors with Beverly Yacht Club and Blue Water Sailing Club we are all proud and pleased to present the 19th edition of this prestigious race,” said RHADC Commodore Alan Williams.Since its inception more than three decades ago the biennial ocean race has pumped millions of dollars into the local economy.“This storied race has long been a fixture of Bermuda’s offshore racing calendar and we enjoy hosting the participants and appreciate the benefits they bring to our economy,” the Minister added.The race also enables race participants from all walks of life to forge lifelong friendships.Flying the Island’s banner in this year’s Marion Bermuda Race is the triple-masted sloop Spirit of Bermuda and Hinckley Bermuda 40 MK III Alice Kay.Spirit of Bermuda is the sole local boat in the new Classic Yacht Division while Alice Kay is the only local entry in the Founders Division.The Marion Bermuda Race was co-founded by late Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) Commodore Geoffrey (Dickie) Bird and first held in 1977.Since then the event has evolved into a premier ocean race that appeals to a broad range of cruising and racing enthusiasts.All yachts in the race can be tracked via the Yellow Brick tracking program available on the official Marion Bermuda Race website (www.marionbermuda.com).