Hamilton Harbour will begin to step back in time today as dozens of elegant sail ships come to town.

The arrival of the vessels, of all shapes and sizes, signals the start of the festivities for the long-awaited Tall Ships 2000 event.

The regular cruise callers will make way for the olden time sailing ships, which will start to move into the Great Sound later today, ready for their berthing tomorrow.

Smaller vessels will already be moored at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club as 17 of the largest ships grace Hamilton docks.

Tall Ships Committee chairman Brian Billings said, so far, Bermuda had scored top marks as hosts to the ships and their crews.

"The reports back from the captains and officers have been fantastic, that this has been the best port they have ever been to in terms of reception and facilities,'' he said.

Mr. Billings commended the work so far of the 500 plus volunteers and said he hoped they would continue to roll out the red carpet for the visitors.

There are parades, parties, free concerts and numerous other events to keep the crews and local residents happy during the long weekend, he added.

"There is something to keep all of Bermuda entertained but at the same time young people from all over the world to have a spectacular time enjoying all of our facilities.'' Tomorrow night there is a Front Street festival for the public and on Saturday there is a parade of trainees and crew, ending with a prize giving at City Hall car park.

All weekend, people will be able to visit selected ships as they open up their gangways.

Over 140 young Bermudians have taken part in the leg, from Cadiz, Spain to the Island.

The event culminates on Monday when the ships start to leave Hamilton, ready for the grand parade of sail along North Shore.

But two of the large naval training ships will remain alongside in the city, with cadets in full uniform on parade during the Queen's Birthday Parade.

Then, all the vessels will parade along the North Shore, with sails up, weather permitting, finally gathering off St. George's -- with some vessels sailing off to Charleston and others to various US ports.