MARION — With three foot waves and strong gales, sailors participating in the Marion to Bermuda race were in for a rough start on Buzzards Bay. 

Even before the race began, the 21 sailboat yachts of all shapes and sizes struggled in the intense winds to reach the start line in the waters Friday, June 20.

With horns echoing across the Bay, many sailors began the race with sails unfurled and clothes soaked through as they set off for the Bermuda Islands. According to SeaTemperature.org, Buzzards Bay was 65 degrees at the beginning of the regatta.

Skippers and their crews are using compasses, maps and celestial navigation to reach the Bermuda Islands in a journey that can take between four and five days.

Five of the 21 boats sailing this year are opting to use celestial navigation, or, the action of sailing to a destination by observing the sun, moon and stars.

Four boats are being skippered by Marion residents. R. Davis Webb is skippering Ardent, Ronald Wisner is skippering Hotspur II, Mark Lindquist is skippering Raptor and Michael Malone is skippering Rossaveal.

New this year is a division for boats capable of racing offshore. Boats in this division are required to be at least 32 feet length overall and sailing with a Performance Handicap Racing Fleet, New England Time on Time certificate.

The race can be viewed live online and the boats are expected to reach the Bermuda Islands in the coming days.