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Captain Colbert!

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Colbert is taking on the sea.

The comedian announced Friday that he will embark on the biennial OnDeck Charleston Bermuda Race on May 11. Colbert and crew will sail a 65-foot racing yacht on the 777-mile race from his native Charleston, S.C., to Bermuda.

The "Colbert Report" host plans to make the adventure a focal point on his show, treating it with far more bombast than Captain Ahab ever did.

Colbert says in a statement: "The ocean has a free ride too long. Well, it has to deal with me now. Brace yourself, Atlantic!"

The 46-year-old has competed in the race once before, in 2005 shortly before the "Colbert Report" premiered.

The race is presented by sailing company OnDeck in partnership with the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Colbert has been designated Honorary Captain of the Fleet.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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