waters this week, sailing into the Great Sound tomorrow, then tying up along Hamilton's Front Street between Saturday and Tuesday. Captained by Commanding Officer Thomas-Georg Hering, the steeled-hull Groch Fock has logged over 500,000 nautical miles in over 95 training cruises. It will open to the public on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Launched from the port of Hamburg in 1958, the 89-metre Groch Fock now sails out of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, with a complement of 12 officers and 225 crew. She is presently sailing back to Germany after an extended time at sea, Honourary German Consul Peter Bubenzer yesterday told The Royal Gazette . The stopover will also allow the crew a few days of much needed shore leave. Two other naval vessels arrive in Bermuda waters this week. The 245-foot Canadian Forces fleet diving support vessel HMCS Cormorant sails in for a month of training in the area, said John S. Darrell spokesperson Richard King. She will sail into Dockyard on February 20 for five days of shore leave before heading out to sea for a three days of training. Cormorant departs Bermuda waters on March 17.

Meanwhile the US Navy's Perry-Class frigate Stephen W. Groves arrives tomorrow for brief resupply at Dockyard. The 453-foot frigate sails out the same day, said Mr. King. Meyers Agency's Stephen Paynter reports the Bermuda Islander arrived into port on Monday and unloaded 85 containers of general cargo, including seven refers. She sailed for Salem, New Jersey, the next day. The Somer's Isle meanwhile is due back to Bermuda waters on Sunday, sailing in from Fernandia Beach, Florida. Mr. Paynter also reported the MV Sarah -- which limped into harbour last week in desperate need of repair -- is almost ready for sea trials. The 228-metre Maltese registered freighter was en route to Israel from New Orleans when her engine shaft was damaged. She put into Five Fathom Hole for repairs. Container Ship Management's Oleander sailed in on Sunday to unload 135 containers of general cargo, 31 refers, three maffis of structural steel, and nine autos, Glennis Dickson of CSM reports. She set sail for Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, on Tuesday.