The Spirit of Bermuda is heading for Bermuda as part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge. Here is the latest despatch from the ship, written by the Royal Gazette's Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch.

and the ship's captain Today, after days of light and variable airs Spirit found her breeze and turned her head for home.

Hours later the decision came through to end the race early for the sake of the slower ships that will have to motor in order to arrive in Bermuda on time.

It's a disappointment for the crew who were looking forward to racing all the way, having worked patiently for this fair breeze and the chance to improve our standings.

Spirit was on track to arrive well within the original deadline, but most of our class would have retired. This crew has made many friends aboard other ships and we are looking forward to showing them Bermudian hospitality, once they catch up.

At race end we were second on the water, fourth on corrected time and the nearest tall ship to Bermuda.

Spirit's position at 1400UTC: Tuesday June 2.

31º17'N x 52º30'W

COG 290ºT

SOG 5.6 knots

Force 4 SW'ly, slight sea, fine and sunny scattered Cumulus

Barometer 1019.5 mb and steady.

Under full sail, Close Reach.

Daily run since 1400 yesterday 54.6 NM as the crow flies.

1889 NM from Santa Cruz de Tenerife

613 NM from St. David's Light, Bermuda