they wanted to come back at the first opportunity.

It was the fourth time the Island had played host to the trans-Atlantic race, but International Sail Training Association (ISTA) said it hoped it would not be the last.

Spokeswoman Liz Pritchard said the hundreds of crew members from around the world who had visited Bermuda were overwhelmed by the hospitality and warm welcome they received.

She said: "I know that everyone has had a whale of a time in Bermuda and the people on the Island are the ones to thank for that. Nobody has complained.

"Bermuda is in an ideal location for the trans-Atlantic race, but it's also an idyllic place to stay.

"The people here have been perfect hosts, organising great entertainment and making everyone feel welcome and at home. It is obvious that so much organising and preparation was carried out.

"We desperately want to come back to Bermuda at the first chance we get. We understand that all the economics of it have to be worked out, but if we are invited, we will come.'' Some 72 sailing ships and boats are taking part in at least one leg of this year's race, which has been specially organised to mark the Millennium.

That amounts to a total of about 7,000 crew members, many of them 15 to 25-year-olds who have little or no experience of ever sailing before.

Many stay on board their vessels for just one leg of the race, but many try to extend their voyage beyond their original plans once they have had a taste of life on the ocean waves.

Organisers express delight The ISTA began organising tall ship races around Europe 44 years' ago to offer young people a sea adventure that not only proves a challenge, but also a character-building experience.

But every eight years it organises a trans-Atlantic race, but this year it made a special effort to celebrate the year 2000.

However, the races are not only designed to be educational for the inexperienced crew, they are meant to be fun. Between each leg of the races, events are held in various ports for the sailors to encourage them to mix and socialise with each other.

Miss Pritchard added: "I am sure people make friends from all different kinds of countries and cultures on these trips that they keep for a long time. In Bermuda the crews had a fabulous time. There have been beach parties, games of Blind Date organised, talent contests and BBQs.

"There has also been some romance and a lot of broken hearts. The sun, the sand and the sea always leads to romance.

A Bermudian sailor was rescued off the German vessel Roald Amundsen at about 5 p.m. yesterday after taking ill. Scott Barnes was brought back to shore, before being taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. He was not thought to be seriously ill last night.