Gov. Mark Sanford is taking his wife and four sons to Bermuda this weekend, just as the S.C. Senate is wrestling with the tightest state budget in recent history.

Governors traditionally have tried to steer such debate, especially as it nears its apex. But Sanford said Tuesday he has been frustrated by the plodding nature of Senate deliberations, now in their third week.

"There's been a lot of hurry-up-and-wait in this process," Sanford said. "There still is. If something breaks, I'll cancel the trip. It's not a problem."

State Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, said he'd happily take a trip to Bermuda -- but now's not the time.

"At this particular juncture, it is truly difficult to be without that leadership," Leventis said. "We need it."

The Sanfords leave Thursday for the conclusion of a yacht race from Charleston to Bermuda. They are set to return Saturday. Three of Sanford's sons are students at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, where the last day of school is next week.

Sanford spokesman Will Folks said all the Sanfords went to the start of the race in Charleston last weekend, and these events offer a rare chance for the family to be together.

"It's one of the few opportunities (Sanford) has, given the time constraints of his schedule," Folks said.

A State Law Enforcement Division security detail will accompany them.

"Of course (the detail will) go," Folks said. "It doesn't matter if he's in the office, in his house, at a watermelon festival, they're going to be there."

The Sanfords will attend the fourth biannual Charleston to Bermuda race, now a part of the new S.C. Maritime Heritage Festival. The festival is sponsored by the S.C. Maritime Heritage Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization founded three years ago to celebrate the state's maritime heritage.

The Sanfords' trip is being paid for by the foundation. Sixteen boats are participating in the race that began in Charleston Harbor and concludes at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, according to the race's Web site.-------------------

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