Citing traffic and safety concerns, Marion Harbormaster Mike Cormier has requested to change the launch point for the Buzzards Bay Regatta in August.

On Tuesday, Cormier requested that the Selectmen approve his plan to move the start of the regatta from the end of Island Wharf to the north field at Silvershell Beach.

This is to alleviate the number of parked cars at Island Wharf that tend to cause traffic jams on the wharf and on Front Street, Cormier said.

“It has usually been by my office at the dock and it really is congested traffic wise and pedestrian wise,” Cormier said.

Cormier said he anticipates 70 to 80 boaters to participate in the annual race as well as more than 120 cars from both boaters and spectators to be parked at the beach.

Moving the start of the race to the beach could also bring in extra money for the town, he said.

“The town can designate an area for parking and charge for it as well as make money on the snack bar,” Cormier said.

Last summer, residents were charged $10 for a day pass to park their cars at the beach.

Cormier said both the Beverly Yacht Club and the New Bedford Yacht Club, which co-host the event, have agreed to add the $10 parking charge to the entrance fee for race participants that would then be given back to the town.

Cormier said he has met with the town’s Conservation Commission, which decided that the move would not endanger the beach’s nearby wildlife habitat.

Selectman Jody Dickerson supported Cormier’s request and added that the beach can accommodate up to 700 cars.

The Selectmen unanimously approved the request.

“Everything you said makes perfect sense,” said Selectmen Chair Stephen Cushing.