Father and daughter Tom and Eliza Wadson are sailing together on the Spirit of Bermuda, a trip they both hope will strengthen their bond.

"Never once had I the pleasure of going to sea with my daughter," said Mr. Wadson. "She's a keen sailor and a great gal. I mean, what an opportunity."

While Mr. Wadson has been involved in several ocean trips, it will be his daughter's first.

"I've grown up sailing," said Ms Wadson, "but I've never really been offshore.

"I remembered Tall Ships 2000. I really wanted to get involved, but I was too young to really be a part of it."

"It's a real rite of passage for her," said Mr. Wadson.

Mr. Wadson hopes his daughter's first ocean crossing will be easier than his, which had him sailing through a hurricane.

"Amazingly I still wanted to do it again," he said.

Mr. Wadson is a farmer. His daughter is studying communications and international relations at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and is interested in either going to law school or becoming a chef.

"I'm actually looking forward to having someone cook for me during the trip," said Ms Wadson.

Both father and daughter are looking forward to the time they will spend together over the next few days.

"I get to be with my daughter, she gets to go to sea with her father," said Mr. Wadson. "When I realised space was available, I had to do it."

Added Ms Wadson: "It's kind of comforting to know he's going. It's a new experience, so I'm excited about that. It'll bring us closer together or drive us apart, depending."