The Tall Ships are coming and the Island is gearing up for a spectacular event that will celebrate Bermuda and her people.

Eleven ships are sailing from Tenerife to the Island in the second leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge.

They will be joined in Bermuda by another nine before they all sail to Charleston for the next leg of the race. Yesterday John Wadson, chairman of Tall Ships Bermuda, said they expected the first of the ships to arrive next Wednesday or Thursday.

He said the Spirit of Bermuda was second, but that "some interesting weather" could help her move to the front.

He added: "We are on the cusp of the tall ships' arrival in Bermuda. It has been many years and a lot of hard work to bring us to this point and we are really excited. This is an event for the entire community. It goes well beyond sailing, this is about community building, this is about bringing people out of their comfort zones, to learn about themselves and grow as individuals.

"It is a celebration of Bermuda and her people. This is how most of our forefathers got here and that is what makes it so special."

Mr. Wadson also revealed that the organisers are about $150,000 short of their fundraising target although he said he was sure the money would be found. "We feel we will get there, but it is short finger nails time," he added.

As well as the Bermudians onboard the Spirit, there are another 15 sailing on other ships in the race. When they arrive they, and the crew of the other tall ships, will be the focus of events from Saturday, June 6 to Monday, June 15, that will create a festival atmosphere throughout Bermuda.

The ships will berth at Dockyard and St. George's as they arrive and then on Thursday, June 11, they will all move to Hamilton where they will berth along Front Street. On June 15, which is now National Heroes' Day, 20 tall ships will set sail from Bermuda to Charleston in a Parade of Sail taking them along North Shore, past Fort St. Catherine and out to the start line of the race which is off St. David's Head at 4 p.m.

In between there is a huge variety of events, including a Festival of Sea at Dockyard on June 7, a Tall Ships Harbour Nights Festival on Thursday, June 11, and a Trainees' Parade led by Bermuda bands on Saturday, June 13.

After the parade there will be a Tall Ships prize-giving ceremony in Victoria Park followed by entertainment in the park. There will even be al fresco dining on Front Street on June 11, 12 and 13 and on Sunday, June 14, there will be a Bermuda Breakfast on Front Street.

On June 12 there will also be a party open to everyone at Barr's Bay Park and on June 13, there will be the Queen's Birthday Parade along Front Street with the Bermuda Regiment.

Full details of all the events can be found at www.tallshipsbermuda.com.

Mr. Wadson, who thanked the main sponsors the Government, the Corporation of Hamilton and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, added: "We want to create a festival atmosphere. We are trying to bring some life to the waterfront."

* Organisers said there were still opportunities for corporate events where the deck of a tall ship could be rented for $4,000, plus catering.

There are also Captain's passes, priced at $300, which give admittance to a VIP lounge at the Flag Pole and aboard the Spirit of Bermuda.

Bev Morfitt, Tall Ships Bermuda director of media and public relations, said: "Contributions help put trainees on the ships. These are good ways to support the cause and help our event be successful."