yesterday, overwhelmed with the generosity of Bermuda residents and visitors.

Companies, farms and individuals besieged Royal Navy Cdr. Tony Steiner with offers of food, drink and gifts after a plea to help out the tall ship, which is short of funds for a Columbus commemorative voyage.

A US tourist even handed over $1,000 as a gesture of international goodwill.

"It was stunning,'' said Cdr. Steiner. "They've got enough provisions to last them at least a week. There were sacks of carrots, potatoes and onions, crates of apples and oranges, bottles of beer and sodas, and supplies of bread and milk.'' Cash donations totalled about $1,200, including the $1,000 gift.