Class CII British yacht Ocean Spirit of Moray on July 13.

Prompted to go because he would learn to sail and meet people, he said he was expecting a unique experience. But the trip proved to be much more.

"The trip was off the hook,'' he said.

After gleaning the necessary funds from different local companies and participating in a bake sale organised by the Tall Ships 2000 committee, 21-year-old Michael had his funds and was ready to set sail.

He left Bermuda bound for New York with a number of stops scheduled en route.

Michael said he did not feel he was sailing in days, but rather in periods marked by the different ports.

He arrived in Norfolk on June 17 and left on June 19. He arrived in Annapolis on June 22 and left later that day. He then went to Wilmington, arriving on June 23 and left the following day; and finally arrived in New York on June 26.

Despite one bout of sea sickness in the middle of the journey when seas became choppy, the adventure was otherwise comfortable, said Michael.

And the other crew members were excellent.

"I couldn't have asked for a better crew,'' he said.

He added that the 16 trainees on board were great also.

"All the trainees were off the hook. I have lots of bredrens now.'' Michael's watch alternated between working four hours on, four hours off, and two hours on, two hours off.

His duties included cleaning the deck and bottom of the boat, the toilets and the kitchen.

Michael had very little to say that was negative about the trip and even described the sleeping accommodations as comfortable and the food as excellent and varied.

"We had a different cook every day,'' he noted.

Sea adventure: Michael Dill enjoyed his epic journey.