The arrival of the tall ships in May next year will be the most spectacular event of Bermuda's Millennium celebrations, according to one of the organisers.

Brian Billings, a representative of the Tall Ships 2000 Bermuda Port Committee, outlined for Hamilton Rotarians yesterday what will be taking place during the time the tall ships will be in Bermuda.

The ships will depart from Cadiz, Spain on May 7 and are expected to arrive in Bermuda in late May or early June. At first they will be docked and moored all around the Island, but they will assemble alongside Front Street from June 8 until June 12.

Whilst in Hamilton, the ships will be open to the public and can be booked for corporate events such as cocktail parties.

On the morning of June 12, there will be a parade of sail out of the Harbour along North Shore, then a race to Charleston, South Carolina or, for the less competitive skippers, a cruise to various ports on the East Coast.

Mr. Billings, speaking at Hamilton Rotary's weekly luncheon at La Coquille Restaurant, stated that, in addition to organising the Tall Ships Festival, the Committee was also trying to secure berths on the vessels for young Bermudians.

He stressed that this presented a wonderful opportunity for young Bermudians to obtain leadership and teamwork skills as well as meet other young people from all over the world.

The series of races for the tall ships has been organised by the International Sail Training Association in conjunction with the American Sail.

Next year's events will mark the fourth time tall ships have visited Bermuda in 30 years.

A tall ship can in fact be any sailing vessel with at least 50 per cent of its crew between the ages of 15 and 25.

Anyone wishing to book an event on one of the tall ships or for other information on the tall ships contact Caroline Wills on 296-4696 or visit the Web site at www.tallships2000.bm.

Standing tall: Tall Ships 2000 organiser Brian Billings SAILING SLG