Four hundred years ago, there would have been little to welcome the exhausted survivors of the Sea Venture to Bermuda aside from a storm-tossed beach, the screeching of the cahow and perhaps a wild hog or two.

But yesterday, as their historic journey ashore was recreated by modern-day Bermudians, the reception could not have been warmer.

Hundreds cheered and applauded on St. Catherine's Beach as actors brought to life the moments following the wreck of the Sea Venture in 1609, when the English first landed here and permanently settled the Island.

A mix of locals and tourists gathered on the sand and the grass below Fort St. Catherine to watch the retelling of the fortuitous events which led to Bermuda becoming an English colony and which are said to have inspired Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'.

Soon after 6 p.m., the Spirit of Bermuda sloop appeared in the distance, her classic sailboat shape making it easy to imagine for a moment that this was some 17th century ship heading for the reef.

But as a pleasure boat zoomed past and a Police vessel came into view, those waiting patiently on the beach for the re-enactment were quickly brought back to 2009.

This mix of the old and the new continued as bikini-clad sun worshippers frolicked in the water and a jet-skier hovered just off shore, while a brass band played on the beach and actors in period dress made their way to the water's edge to wait for their fellow "survivors".

At about 6.30 p.m., two longboats flying the flag of St. George appeared from behind the fort and rowed towards dry land, bagpipers and cannon blasts heralding their arrival.

The actors on-board scrambled ashore for handshakes and hugs. One apparently weary soul kissed the sand, while another clambered to safety with his dog at his side — just as the history books tell us actually happened.

Every one of the Sea Venture's 150 passengers are said to have survived the wreck — and no doubt gave thanks to God after landing here.

Yesterday, the actors retracing their steps performed a lengthy religious service praising "the God who saved them from the sea".

And once again, 2009 made its presence felt when a prayer was said for "Elizabeth, our Queen; Richard, our Governor; and Ewart, our Premier."

Sir Richard Gozney, the only one of the trio present, joined in the crowd's applause as Bermuda was proclaimed by the Sea Venture's Lieutenant-General as "English soil" and a cross was placed in the sand, alongside the two flags of St. George.

The re-enactment ended with a rendition of 'Amazing Grace' and a final cannon blast, before Sir Richard and Acting Premier Derrick Burgess followed the actors to the centre of St. George for the rest of the Somers Day festivities.