from overseas.

Harry Braun, who is a member of the Royal Cape Yacht Club in South Africa and himself a participant in numerous sailing races, said Bermuda's efforts had never been bettered.

He spoke on board the Sea Venture as it made its way back to Hamilton Harbour after escorting the Parade of Sail away from the Island.

Mr. Braun, who was on holiday in Bermuda with his wife Sara, said: "This is the finest operation I have ever come across.

"I'm a yachtsman and have sailed in many races before, and have been on committees in Cape Town playing host to races, including the Whitbread Round The World Race, but I thought this was a once in a lifetime experience. "I have never known an operation quite like it. The organisation was phenomenal and parade today overwhelming. The people of Bermuda have been tremendous and the co-ordinators and liaison officers superb.

"We understand how difficult it is to play host to events like this, with the different languages and demands of the ships involved, but it has been faultless.

"We love racing and came to Bermuda to combine a holiday and watch the Tall Ships Race, but we have been very impressed by the cleanliness of the Island and the friendliness of its people. We will certainly come back.'' Mr. Braun said the only down side of yesterday was that the wind was blowing in the wrong direction, so the tall ships could not let down their sails for the best part of the parade.

But he added: "That certainly wasn't the fault of Bermuda. If they could have done something about that, I'm sure they would have done.'' Breezing through: With the wind a little in her favour, a three-masted tall ship has her sails on show as she bids farewell to Bermuda.