Easter Monday saw the Spirit of Bermuda enter Azorean waters after eight long days of sailing.

Fuelled on by fair winds, high morale and copious amounts of Rock Island coffee, the ship had sailed through winds as high as 45 knots and swells of between 10 and 15 feet.

The Spirit also set a new record, covering 265 nautical miles within 24 hours, a personal best on a Tall Ship for Captain Simon Colley and First Officer Johnny O'Keeffe.

It was one of several days which saw the ship break the 200 nautical mile threshold.

The voyage, which is the first ocean crossing the ship has undertaken since it was launched in 2006, was expected to take 12-14 days, but due to strong winds the crew managed to trim a couple of days off the voyage.

Throughout the sail, the trainees operated on a revolving watch, during which they were in charge of the ship's operations for four-hour intervals.

The required work had them steering, raising and trimming sails, and looking out for other vessels.

For many, it is the first time they have been expected to wake up in the early hours of the morning and work.

And due to changing weather patterns, there have been frequent sail manoeuvres which have seen most of crew on deck ensuring things run smoothly.

In true Bermudian style, the crew did not let Easter pass without flying a kite.

Bermuda Regiment Private John Cook made a traditional Bermuda kite, covering it with plastic so it could fly over the rough seas. After pitching it off the stern, the crew watched as it soared 200 meters off the deck on a sunny Good Friday afternoon.

The crew also got a taste of home courtesy of fish cakes and hot cross buns prepared by chef Michael Scott. The Bermuda kite continued to fly for 24 hours, until it had to be taken down due to sail manoeuvres.

Easter Sunday was also celebrated in good fashion with the Captain springing an all hands on deck drill on the unsuspecting crew.

After scrambling out of beds and grabbing fire extinguishers before meeting at life rafts on deck, the Captain announced the Easter bunny had visited and a hunt commenced.

Other highlights included a pod of dolphins following the ship throughout the journey, frequently popping their heads up and playing in the waves, as well as celestial navigation classes.

Brian Bulhoes, a 16-year-old Mount Saint Agnes student on board, said: "It has been good. I have learned a lot. I have met new friends. The other guys are older and teaching me better ways to do things. The chef's cooking is great, my favourite meals were the turkey dinner, homemade pizza and BBQ chicken."

Today the ship will sail into Horta, on the island of Faial, one of the nine islands of the Azores. The ship will also be visiting Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel where the crew will visit several sites and meet local dignitaries.

Brian, who is a two-time Optimist Bermuda national champion, has been to the Azores twice with his family, who are from the island of Sao Miguel.

He is looking forward to showing his extended family the ship and exploring the islands with his friends on Spirit.

He said: "I think everyone will like the food, hot springs and mountain range during their visit. I taught them all how to speak some basic words in Portuguese."

The voyage is the first in a series of sails before the Spirit meets up with other Tall Ships to start the Tall Ship Atlantic Challenge race in Vigo, Spain.

Some of the trainees aboard are sailing for one leg while others are on for the duration.

Sixteen-year-old Cameron Joseph will be sailing for two months until the ship returns to Bermuda the Island will host more than 30 Tall Ships in celebration of the 400th anniversary of its discovery.

Cameron said: "I am looking forward to the rest of the sail. I have liked making friendships through teamwork at sea. I am looking forward to visiting all the different countries."

There is still space for young Bermudians wishing to take part in the four-month long race. For more information, or to make a donation to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, telephone 737-5667 or send an e-mail, info@bermudasloop.org.

The crew is made up of five Regiment soldiers Raymond Brangman, John Cook, Milen Simons, Sanchez Smith and Lance Corporal Lawson Williams as well as Sea Cadet officer Jason Simons and Marine and Ports seaman Rodrico Bean. There are also several trainees aboard including Brian Bulhoes, Michael Byron, Cameron Joseph, Ambrose Gosling, Vershon Simmons and Denzell Todd.

In addition to Captain Colley and First Officer O'Keefe, the professional crew includes Second Officer Sarah Stein, Third Officer Mickey Berkeley, engineer Colin Kinsella, second engineer David Goulbourne and watch leaders Alan Burland, Nova Ewers and Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch.