Despite sampling the best of various ports across Europe, the Spirit of Bermuda crew proved she was ready to come home as she crossed the start line before all other ships in the race from Tenerife to Bermuda.

Cutting across the line right on time, the ship left two French navy ships and other tall ships in its wake.

It's been six weeks since the Spirit of Bermuda left her home shores and she could be three more before she touches the Island, but the crew is ready and excited to show their home to new friends they have made over the course of the Tall Ship Atlantic Challenge.

The race began late Sunday afternoon and saw the Bermuda sloop head north of the island while the rest of the fleet went south. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the ship had logged 186 nautical miles.

Captain Simon Colley said: "This is the longest ocean passage the Spirit has ever undertaken and it is also the strongest crew she has every sailed with and I am excited to go to sea with them.

"We were being told that of all the ships, the Spirit was one of the most welcoming to visitors with our student crew impressing visitors with their knowledge and willingness to share their experience with others."

Vigo to Tenerife

This is the second leg of the race, which began in Vigo, Spain.

A third of the crew has been onboard since the ship departed Bermuda on April 4 to start her four-month long transatlantic trip. Unlike previous sails, the engine could not be used when the wind died down on the leg from Spain to the Canary Islands as is the case for all Tall Ship races.

This proved trying on the fifth day at sea when the wind disappeared and the ship inched along at a snail's pace of one knot. Luckily for the crew, the lack of wind only lasted for 12 hours before it picked up again.

After six days of racing from Vigo, Spain to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the Bermuda sloop finished sixth in her class. Known for her speed, the ship was hampered by less than favourable wind conditions. Nevertheless, the crew enjoyed the sunshine throughout the sail and continued to improve on their sailing skills. They crossed the finish line at 3.57 a.m. on May 9.

While in Tenerife, the crew took the opportunity to explore the island, visit volcanoes and beaches and even organised a camel ride and visited the local zoo which features the largest Orca show in Europe. The crew has also represented Bermuda in a basketball game and a dingy race, where they placed second.

Much time was also spent preparing a rip in the foresail, fixing broken lights and getting the vessel shipshape for the next leg.

By far the highlight of the race has been getting to know other crews. In particular, the crew has become friendly with the Dutch Navy ship Urania, French Navy vessels Belle Poule and Etoile, and the British sail training vessel Rona II.

Eighteen-year-old Denzel Smith who has sailed some of the earlier legs of the trip enjoyed the tall ship experience.

He said: "I liked meeting other crews and learning about other cultures and making a whole pile of new friends. I was surprised by how friendly everyone was. Some of the Russians were really cool. I didn't think they would be. I liked that there were some vessels with young people like us sailing. Many of the ships have older crews."

Coming Home

On the last night in port, the Spirit of Bermuda made sure everyone had their eyes set south by holding a Dark 'n' Stormy party for all the captains and officers of the ships participating in the race. Again, the event was popular and continued past its designated time, the trainees spent much of the time sharing information about their Island with other crews and describing much of the festivities that are planned on their arrival here. With such good Bermudian ambassadors, it was hard for the other crews not to get excited about visiting Bermuda and sharing in the 400th anniversary of the Island's discovery.

Not only were the other crews impressed with the Bermudian friendliness displayed, they were also blown away by the information packages and assistance provided by the Bermuda Tall Ship delegation. In particular, many of the captains have praised the fact that their vessels could clear customs in Tenerife thanks to the Department of Immigration sending two officers to the port to ensure a smooth process.

But before they get to enjoy Bermuda's hospitality and all the festivities, they must first sail approximately 2,500 nautical miles the longest leg in this summer's race. Three weeks have been allotted for this leg, however ships could reach Bermuda sooner if there are favorable winds. The Royal Gazette will be keeping you updated on the ship's progress throughout the race.

The crew includes Captain Simon Colley, First Mate Johnny O'Keeffe, Second Mate Bryce Potter, Third Mate Dan Keenan, engineers Matt Slover and David Goulbourne, chef Michael Scott and watch leaders Nova Ewers, Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch and Lawson Williams.

The trainees are Jake Burchall, Michael Byron, Shakir Foggo, Sheldon Ito, Cameron Joseph, Calum Morrison, Jan Robinson, Vershon Simmons, Gerald Smith, Denzel Smith, Glenn Walker, Dylan Ward and Annika Zayac.