It seems like a long time since they set sail from Tenerife and with the lack of wind hampering their progress it must have seemed even longer for those on board but tomorrow the Spirit of Bermuda is due back on the Island.

She has been taking part in the latest leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge and will be in Bermuda until June 15 when she sets sail again with about 20 other Tall Ships for the next leg of the race to Charleston, in the US.

And to celebrate her return, today and tomorrow The Royal Gazette publishes pictures and biographies of the crew members who have successfully brought her home.

The Spirit of Bermuda is expected to arrive off the East End at 9 a.m. when it is expected that a flotilla of boats will welcome her home.

It is hoped that Spirit will do a lap of Hamilton Harbour with flags flying before going to Dockyard. In the spirit of her historical period she will enter Hamilton Harbour through Timlins Narrows, the original entrance.

Spirit will fire cannon salutes off St Catherine's, Albouy's Point and Commissioner's House.

The following is the latest update from onboard the Spirit of Bermuda as she heads for the Island.

This despatch was written by Captain Simon Colley.

Steady progress under power. All watches working hard to smarten the ship up for arrival in Bermuda.

Brass is being polished, cabinets emptied and cleaned. Full of food only a few thousand miles ago, now down to basic ingredients which chef still manages to turn into delicious meals. After weeks without shaving, several crew members staged a facial hair sculpting competition, including some creative entrants not able to grow their own. High spirits all round as we close on our home port.

Spirit's position at 1400UTC: Thursday June 4.

32º09'N x 59º47"W

COG 274ºT

SOG 7.9 knots

Calm, fine and sunny Cumulus with vertical development on horizon.

Barometer 1018.6 mb and steady.

Motoring at 1700 rpm all sail struck and furled. Daily run since 1400 yesterday: 196 NM as the crow flies.

2254 NM from Santa Cruz de Tenerife

246 NM from St Davids Light, Bermuda