By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com

Calling all Long Islanders and those who are just looking for a good old party — it's time to make ready for the 41st Annual Long Island Regatta, because all is set on the home front. They're just waiting for you.

Set to take place in Salt Pond, Long Island June 5 - 7, this year's event is expected to be the biggest and best Long Island Regatta ever and all the pieces are already in place.

As far as accommodations are concerned, facilities on the island are already almost booked out, and according to reports, there is hardly an available room on the entire island for the Labour Day holiday weekend.

During the weekend over 45 sailing sloops from throughout the country are expected to compete for trophies and cash prizes, but as we all know, it won't be all about the sailing.

"As it stands now, the Long Island Sailing Association and the Long Island Sailing Club are in the final stages of preparation," says Coolidge Cartwright, the president of the Long Islanders' Association (LIA). "We have a lot of activities planned that include races, games and lots of food."

This year Salt Pond is expected to be abuzz with the many sailing and activities organized by the association. According to Cartwright the expectation is that the event will be spectacular, "filled with quality competition on the water, the usual interaction with old friends and good old-fashion fun and excitement."

"Onshore there will be dancing to indigenous 'rake 'n' scrape' music, sporting events, and local food specialties for sale that will create a carnival-like atmosphere. There will also be an opening ceremony, so we have a lot planned. That's why I'm advising all those who are interested in being in Long Island for the regatta to book accommodations early so they don't miss out on the fun."

During this year's racing, boats like the Running Tide, Rupert's Legend and the Susan Chase, which have become synonymous with high level regatta performances, are expected to race. Names like Rupert Knowles, Lauren Knowles, the late Elijah "Mack" Knowles, Mark Knowles, the late Roy Harding, Harry Harding, and Levi Gibson add to the legacy of the Long Island Regatta.

"Long Island is the mecca for boat-building and some of the country's finest have contributed to its status in sailing and we expect it to remain that way," says Cartwright.

Venerable Edmund Knowles, who was one of the founding members of the regatta and the LIA, agrees.

"When the regatta began, instead of cash we just gave prizes. We formed the committee in 1974 to raise funds for the regatta, and the association just evolved from that committee. The event has always been a big attraction, held on Whit Monday initially to drive the economy of Long Island. In the very beginning just a few boats from outside the island were involved but we always got a lot of people back home. Then it became one of the country's more popular regattas with a full slate in the A, B, C, D, and E classes. So the competition has always been very, very keen," says Knowles.

"The Ragged Island boys, and the fellows from Exuma still remain strong rivals, but Ragged Island and Exuma have supported the event 100 percent and the support has grown over the years. I continue to wish those who run the organization well. We have turned it over to the younger people and they have been doing a great job in keeping a connection with the people who always supported the event, and I'm proud of that," said Knowles.