Thousands of people took to the water and the coastline yesterday to say a fond farewell to the scores of sailing crews from around the globe who have graced the Island for the past seven days.

Tall Ships 2000 Bermuda came to a spectacular close when the 45 sailing vessels elegantly departed for the next leg of the race, flanked by hundreds of private yachts and speed boats.

The scene was breathtaking as they majestically snaked their way along the North Shore coast and out towards St David's.

And the visitors taking part could not have wished for a better send-off.

People aboard small boats honked horns and cheered. Those watching from the shore waved. Anybody who was anybody was celebrating the Island's involvement in the special trans-Atlantic challenge, organised specially this year by the International Sail Training Association (ISTA) to mark the Millennium.

And although the wind was blowing in the wrong direction -- for the best part the ships looked skeletal without the regency of their sails -- the weather was perfect.

Yesterday's Parade of Sail out of Hamilton Harbour was the grand finale to a long weekend of festivities that have not only entertained the crews, but Islanders, too.

For three-long years The Corporation of Hamilton, Government and the Tall Ships Committee have worked tirelessly to make sure that Bermuda would do itself proud when it played host to the vessels.

And all the hard work came to fruition over the last few days, with organisers claiming the event had been "flawless''.

The city hosted concerts, talent contests, a crew parade, and a street festival to help make the crews, many of them inexperienced young sailors who had travelled from 16 different nations, have a memorable stay in Bermuda.

`It was a remarkable week for Bermuda' Roger Sherratt, secretary of the corporation, praised the co-ordinators and the hundreds of volunteers who made it all possible.

He said: "All in all -- it was a remarkable week for Bermuda and surely a terrific boost to Bermuda's image, both at home and abroad.

"Congratulations to all those involved in Tall Ships 2000 Bermuda.

"By all reports from the captains and officials I spoke with, it seems Bermuda was given the very highest praise in every respect for its hosting of the Tall Ships.

"The public was very co-operative and there was a wonderful friendly atmosphere in the city throughout their stay.

"All of the social events were very well attended and it seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.'' And he paid tribute to Mayor William Frith, who was actively involved in organising the Bermuda event from the outset, but was unable to attend the start of the race to the Island when it left Cadiz, Spain, last month.

Yesterday, once the tall ships had left the Island, the majority sailed off at their own pace, with the next leg of the race not due to start until July 16 from Boston.

Once out of the Town Cut at St. George's they headed off in different directions, at last able to open their sails out for greater speed.

However, 11 of the smaller vessels yesterday took their starting positions off the coast of St. David's at about 4.30 p.m., where the tug boat Faithful launched an unofficial race to Charleston, South Carolina, which had been set up by the ISTA for any crews who wanted to take part.

As they set off, sailing their way slowly East, towards South Shore, the dozens of well-wishers aboard the escorting boats waved them goodbye.

For the organisers left in Bermuda, it was a time of mixed feelings, both elation and sadness.

Valerie Pethen, media co-ordinator for the Tall Ships 2000 Committee in Bermuda, said: "I am feeling very sad, but also very satisfied.

"I have been involved for three years and it has been a lot of work, but it has been terrific.

"The Bermudian public has been absolutely marvellous. We would like to see the race come back to Bermuda, eventually, but it takes a lot of organising and a lot of funds.

"We never thought it would be a money-making venture in terms of bringing in visitors to the Island, but all the hotels were full. We just wanted it to be a memorable event to celebrate the Millennium, which it has been.

"All of the overseas travel to see how other races were organised, really paid off.'' The overall winner of the Cadiz to Bermuda leg, taking into account the size of the vessels and the time they made it in, was British sailing boat Jolly Breeze . It also won best in its class.

The Peter Von Danzig , from Germany, won the prize for first ship over the finishing line.

The first A class ship was the Gorch Flock , also from Germany; the award for the chef who had to cook the longest went to Fiona Spiers, from the Britain's Lord Nelson , which made it to Bermuda in the longest time. It had been uniquely transformed into a disabled-friendly vessel, and boasted many crew members with disabilities.

The ships will now head for Boston in time for July 11, before leaving and racing to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The last leg of the race will leave Canada on July 24, heading for Amsterdam in time for August 24.