We are nearing the end of the longest voyage ever sailed aboard Spirit of Bermuda. She has covered more than 7,000 miles of blue water in the last two months, more than a third of that during this last leg from Tenerife. We established records for the ship's fastest days and slowest days, have seen gales and dead calm and throughout she has proven herself safe, reliable, seaworthy, and consistently a challenge worthy of the young people who sail aboard her.

Some of the trainees have been with the ship for the whole journey, others have joined along the way. All of them play an integral part in this working community that relies upon each crew member, daily, to put the needs of the ship and the crew before their own. For many this is the first time they have ever been truly needed for anything, where their commitment has a significant effect on the outcome of whatever task is at hand. Sometimes it is easy to see the difference four people hauling on a furling line is better than two but it is often in the less obvious details such as taking the extra time to clean behind the sink, or recoiling a line that someone else missed, that has the greater cumulative effect on the quality of life at sea.

Everyone aboard, by now can steer Spirit to be her fastest, even in minimal breeze, with patience and focus in challenging moments. Each crew member can plot our position and chart our progress, literally determining our place in the world so we can reassess our overall plan. We have trainees continually stepping into leadership roles within their watch, being supportive of others and taking quiet initiative on their own. Probably the most significant lesson that crew members learn aboard Spirit, however, is a greater sense of themselves and a consideration of those around them.

Somewhere in amongst all that, we sailed a competitive race.

It has been a privilege to sail with this crew that has become a family, to take this magnificent vessel across the ocean and back, and to work alongside a dedicated team of professional mariners, educators all, who have worked so hard to make this voyage a success.