including one Bermudian, to the Island last week.

One of just three traditional brigs in the world, Astrid offers people from 17 to 25, a chance to travel thousands of miles and study different cultures. See photograph on page 2.

"Most have had no sailing training,'' said Mr. Kevan Cook, one of eight permanent crewmen. "What we look for are persons who aren't afraid of hard work and can readily form part of a team.'' Bermudian Mr. Kenneth Outerbridge joined the ship for this voyage after he was awarded a scholarship by the Bank of Bermuda, a supporter of the Astrid Trust.

The bank offers the scholarships to children of its staff members.

Mr. Cook, who serves as the brig's diving and science officer, said the experience is a working one.

"It's a 24-hour process,'' he said. "When in harbour, we do things like exploring the Island -- climbing mountains, waterfalls. In Dominica, we checked out the sulphur springs and in Grenada, we examined the spices there.

"While at sea, we're painting, varnishing, checking the ropes, there's always something to be done. It's quite labour-intensive.'' The Astrid , a two-masted square-rigged ship, was built in Holland in 1918 but was cut down in 1964 and converted to a motor coaster. She was restored in 1984 and the Trust was formed the following year.

She regularly sails two three-month voyages each year -- from the Leeward Islands to Bermuda, the Azores then returning to her home port in Weymouth, England and following old trade routes calling at Lisbon, Cadiz and the Canaries.

The Trust pays between one-third to one-half of the cost of the voyage and voyagers pay the approximately 4,000 extra.

Said Mr. Cook:"I find people gain something by being on board and tend to develop their character in some way. We teach them the values of seamanship and they get involved in the working of the ship. It's a team working together.

"We've had people from England, Singapore, Bermuda, Norway and Sweden. Next trip we'll be having somebody from Antigua.''