Bermuda’s key role in the War of 1812 was traced this weekend in a voyage by the Spirit of Bermuda that narrowly avoided a ferocious squall on Saturday.

Despite rough weather, the festivities in St George’s, which helped benefit the Bermuda Heritage Partnership, went “extremely well”, organiser Rick Spurling reported.

“We had a successful celebration of an important international event between the US, the UK and Bermuda, with a good crowd, good attendance and some distinguished guests,” said the St George’s Foundation chairman.

Two hundred years ago, a British fleet congregated in Bermuda waters to launch the historic surprise attack on the US that would end the transatlantic war.

Then, as this month, Murray’s Anchorage was subject to strong easterly winds.

The British forces were only able to set off with the quick aid of Bermuda pilots guiding the warships through a treacherously narrow channel through the reef.

Mr Spurling had arranged for St George’s Town Crier David Frith to fire the cannon at Gates Fort as the Spirit headed out from the Old Towne.

“I got a call saying ‘You’d better hurry up — there’s a huge squall coming’,” Mr Spurling said. “They didn’t want the powder to get wet.” The display went “impressively” for the eight visitors and roughly 40 locals on board.

The schooner also cruised past sites like the Sea Venture wreck and “as close to North Rock as we could”.

The Spirit was led out by the pilot boat to the site where skilled Bermudian hands guided the British fleet out the perilously close fit of the North Channel.

“I’m told the pilot boat won’t go out there because their insurance won’t cover them,” added Mr Spurling.

Stormy weather spared the cruisers all but a few sprinkles, and the vessel returned to St George’s for the Star Spangled 200 Reception at Penno’s Wharf — so-called because the conflagration of the British assault on Baltimore harbour inspired Francis Scott Keys to compose the US national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.

That piece was sung solo, along with God Save the Queen, by singer Jenn Osmond, around a presentation by Governor George Fergusson.

Mr Spurling commended the performances by fife and drummer musicians, adding that he’d initially toyed with having a performance of Tchaikovsky’s famously loud 1812 Overture.

“I had to give up on that idea,” he said, after learning that the piece’s signature cannon volley would have cost thousands.

The event also celebrated the Bermuda Heritage Partnership, a consortium of local registered charities dedicated to promoting Bermuda’s cultural and historical legacy.

The Partnership, a consortium of local registered charities, hopes to bring significant historical touring business to the Island in years to come.