The Buzzards Bay Regatta is 40-years-old and still going strong, says event Chair Heike Milhench.

On Friday, the annual regatta welcomed more than 1,200 sailors across 12 different classes and 400 boats for the three-day racing event, which began at Island Wharf in Marion.

Started in 1972 by Marion resident and member of the Beverly Yacht Club Bill Saltonstall and Bob Saltmarsh of the New Bedford Yacht Club, the event has grown drastically over the years, said Milhench.

“When it started, they had around 150 boats and now it’s 400 and all different types,” she said. “We have small racing boats and big 50-foot to 55-foot boats that have a crew of 12 to 14 people on them.”

Since it started, the regatta has been held in both New Bedford and in Marion.

The two yacht clubs trade off on hosting duties each year.

Competitors spend roughly five hours racing on the water each day.

At night, the Beverly Yacht Club hosts a party for the participants and the spectators with food, drinks and live music.

The whole event was capped off on Sunday night with an awards ceremony for the winners.

Over the past 40 years, the event has become part of both Marion and New Bedford tradition, Milhench said.

“It’s really source of pride for the Beverly Yacht Club and the New Bedford Yacht Club,” Milhench said. “I believe it’s the largest multi-class regatta in the U.S. and it’s all volunteer-run, which is a big accomplishment. A lot of people give their time and resources. The whole neighborhood pitches in.”

For a complete list of the winners, visit www.buzzardsbayregatta.com.