Sail training ship Spirit of Bermuda is ready to put out to sea after temporary repairs following a collision with a Government ferry.

A spokeswoman for ship operators the Bermuda Sloop Foundation said that temporary repairs to the bowsprit - a spar extending from the bow used as an anchorpoint for sails - had been completed.

She added that the ship had passed inspection by a US Bureau of Shipping surveyor and was ready to start its school voyages programme on Monday.

The spokeswoman said: “Parents and families should be assured that the ship is safe.

“It underwent a high standard of inspection for the ship to be fully operational.

“The safety of all students, teachers and crew continues to be our top priority.

“We hope all the new student trainees have an experience of a lifetime on Spirit as we begin the new academic year.”

Permanent repairs to the bowsprit will be carried out in the spring of next year before the ship starts its overseas voyages.