descend upon Bermuda at the start of the next millennium for the "Race of the Century''.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell announced yesterday that Government had accepted an invitation from the International Sail Training Association to be a host port in the Tall Ships 2000 Race.

An estimated 100 to 150 vessels with some 4,000 to 6,000 crew between them are expected to take part and visit Bermuda between June 8 and 11.

The majority of the ships are expected to anchor in Hamilton Harbour and newly elected Port Committee chairman Kirkland Cooper will collect members of the public and private sector to help organise the event, continued Mr. Dodwell.

The Government's contribution to the event will be to provide a wide variety of services including tugs, tenders, Customs and Immigration services, security, transportation, postal pickup, accommodation and offices.

Other costs will be covered with money raised in a fund raising drive due to start once the Port Committee is selected.

Mr. Dodwell said pluses for the Island include: Bermudians between the ages of 15 and 25 will have the chance to be placed on one of the training vessels for part or all of the race; Bermuda will gain international recognition with the resulting media and public exposure creating excellent marketing opportunities; increased June visitor arrivals; and bringing all Bermudians together to help organise the event and enjoy it and the various entertainment and "photo opportunities'' that will result.

The Island has hosted tall ship fleets on three other occasions over the last 40 years -- 1964, 1976 and 1984.

But this four month trans-Atlantic race has been dubbed the "Race of the Century''.

It will begin with a dual start on April 18 from Southampton, England, and April 23 from Genoa, Italy, with every ship racing to Cadiz, Spain.

They leave Cadiz on May 7 and race to Bermuda. After leaving the Island they can visit ports of choice along the US East Coast before heading to New York Harbour for July 4.

GOVERNMENT GVT