Marion — Sailors are starting to trickle into the waters, dotting the shore with sailboats as the 24th Marion Bermuda Race is on the horizon.

Sailboat yachts will be setting sail Friday, June 20 toward the Bermuda Islands in a race that has skippers and their crews using compass, map and celestial navigation. 

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. Ardent will be skippered by R. Davis Webb, Hotspur II will be skippered by Ronald Wisner, Raptor will be skippered by Mark Lindquist and Rossaveal will be skippered by Michael Malone.

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

The boats will set off at noon. For spectators who want to view the start from the shore, the organizers recommend Hollywoods Beach or Point Connett Beach in Mattapoisett. Limited public access may be available and binoculars are recommended.