out on the challenge of a lifetime but instead of pounding the pavement, for the next 14 days he will be working on his sea legs.

Along with 11 other military personnel from the UK Mr. Hart -- a novice sailor -- shipped out of St. George's Harbour aboard the Kukuri , a 55-foot training vessel bound for the Azores.

"I expect it will be a rewarding experience, one that will enhance my self confidence and discipline,'' the 28-year-old Southampton resident told The Royal Gazette .

Kukuri is a frequent visitor to Bermuda waters. The UK-registered sloop is used primarily for armed services training and the Regiment regularly contributes, said Captain Simon Salter of Norfolk, England.

While at sea Mr. Hart hopes to continue training, but admits he knows little of what awaits him.

"I sailed across the English Channel when I was 15 (years-old) but other than that all I know is what I've read. I expect to be able to tie a few more knots by the time it's all over,'' he joked.

The voyage is expected to take about two weeks and once in the Azores Kukuri will take on a new crew. Mr. Hart is expected to return to the Island by May 6.

In other shipping news Meyer Agencies Joe Simas yesterday reported the tanker Stride departed Island waters bound for St. Croix after off-loading fuel and backloading waste oil at the Esso dock in St. George's.

The motor yacht Paraiso meanwhile remains berthed at Penno's Wharf. The sleek 47-metre cruiser sailed in from Fort Lauderdale on April 13, bound for the Azores. It is unknown when the UK-flagged vessel will sail out.

Holland-American's 219-metre Maasdam also left Island waters late Tuesday evening, after picking up 727 passengers, said Mr. Simas.

The Dutch registered cruiseliner is on a repositioning cruise, sailing in from Florida en route to Lisbon, Portugal.

Celebrity Cruiselines Meridian yesterday sailed into Dockyard and is scheduled to depart for Port Everglades, Florida, early this morning.

Mr. Simas also reported the Japanese-registered car carrier Triton Highway will stopover briefly today to offload 105 cars and 43 cases of spare parts.

The 180-metre carrier sailed out of Haiti and is bound for the Bahamas.

Princess Cruises Royal Princess is also expected to put in a one-day appearance at Dockyard today before setting sail for New York City.

Meanwhile the Talitha G , formerly Robert Stigwood's Jezebel , sails into Hamilton Harbour tomorrow to take on fuel and allow her crew a little R&R, said Mr. Simas.

She is expected to remain tied up at Front Street over the weekend; her destination however is unknown.

The Bermuda Islander also made its regular appearance, sailing in Monday to off load 107 containers of dry goods, 15 reefers, and one horse. She set sail for Salem, New Jersey, on Tuesday.

John S. Darrell's Richard King reported Cunard Lines Royal Viking Sun , at 674 feet, is scheduled to call into Hamilton Harbour Monday, and sail out Tuesday.

She is carrying between 500-600 passengers.

Robert Lewis of Container Ship Management reported the Oleander sailed into Hamilton on Sunday and discharged 147 containers of dry cargo, 27 reefers, one 30-foot maffis and one 40-foot maffis of steel, one truck, one stone-crushing plant, and one boat and trailer.

The Oleander sailed for Port Elizabeth, New Jersey on Tuesday, he said.

Meanwhile marine retailers are gearing up for this year's Shell Boat show, to be held May 3-4 at Dockyard. Front and centre will an open house aboard Cable and Wireless's cable-laying ship Sir Eric Sharp , as well as powerboat races sponsored by the Bermuda Power Boat Association.

The show runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days and is free to the public.