It was near perfect weather Saturday morning just outside the Edgartown harbor as 46 boats in seven different groups set off for the 2020 Round the Island race.

The annual regatta, held by the Edgartown Yacht Club, dates back to 1938. This year the race saw fewer than the anticipated amount of vessels.

Sailors will arrive back at finish line late this afternoon. — Mark Alan Lovewell

The 52.5 nautical-mile race begins outside the Edgartown harbor, where boats jockey for the best starting position. The course then rounds Cape Pogue and Wasque, travels along the South Shore of the Island, up past the Gay Head Cliffs and into Vineyard Sound for the final stretch back to Edgartown.

The starting gun went off at 8:05 a.m. All racers are expected to finish the course between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. this afternoon. Official results are expected this evening or tomorrow morning.

More pictures.