A father and son learned valuable lessons in life while sailing aboard the Spirit of Bermuda.

Gerald and Denzel Smith took part in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge to improve their seamanship but also to spend some time together bonding as a family.

Gerald, 54, is already close to 18-year-old Denzel and his other son Tahriq, 32, but said the sail training experience aboard the Spirit was an ideal opportunity to connect with his youngest son.

Denzel, a sail trainee, is joining Spirit for all of the Challenge, sailing from Bermuda to Vigo and Tenerife and then on to Charleston, Boston and Halifax.

Gerald, an experienced sailor himself, joined the ship in Tenerife.

He said: "I thought it would be nice to join Spirit on the journey back to Bermuda.

"It was a really great experience. I learned along with Denzel, and was able to point out certain things which may help him in the future.

"After the captain came up with the plan and plotted the course from Tenerife to Bermuda, I told Denzel life is the same way. I told him to sit down and plot his course in life, as to where he wants to go.

"We started off with heavy seas and had to deal with Mother Nature from then on. But in the end we made it.

"I told Denzel life is like that because it has its ups and downs, just like high seas and calm seas. Some days we have a strong wind and other days, a light wind.

"I think he took a great lesson from this, especially now we have arrived in Bermuda, because he can see that that is what it takes. You plot your course, give it your heart, and you will succeed."

Gerald, a plumber, said: "I am very close to Denzel but this has really bonded us even closer. We were in different watches but we got to spend a lot of quality time together, to talk and relate to each other.

"I think that is what Bermuda needs. We need fathers to get more involved with their children. It tightens up that bond.

"I am very close to both of my sons and always try to be the best father I can be."

Denzel, a GED student from Southampton, said: "This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail around the world and it's been really nice.

"I've learned a lot more about sailing and how to deal with different situations. I've also learned how to tolerate different people and cultures.

"The highlight has been doing one of the longest legs with my father on board."

Denzel now intends to study for his 200-ton Yachtmaster's Licence.

"I hope one day I can hopefully get a job onboard the Spirit," he said.

"This experience has taught me that no matter what, always push yourself to be better than what you are."