The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club will feature the Snipe Class North American Championship as part of its annual Bermuda International Invitational Race Week this year. Organizers expect a fleet of 30 to 40 Snipes to turn out for the competition, which is slated to begin April 16.

Now in its 52nd year, the International Invitational regatta regularly attracts sailors from the US and Canada, as well as Europe. Two courses will be set in Bermuda's Great Sound. Alpha Course will see action among the keelboats, including Etchells, J-24's and International One-Designs. Bravo Course will be the venue for the dinghy fleet, with Comets, Lasers, Albacore's and Snipes competing.

For the first time, Bacardi Rum will sponsor the regatta, supplying beverages for the event?s three major parties.