The Island’s Spirit of Bermuda ship has made its first entry into a foreign port since its arrival in Bermuda last fall.

It arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, on Thursday, after a fast four-day voyage, to take part in this year’s Charleston to Bermuda Yacht Race, which started yesterday.

Pirates, wooden boats, sailing, rowing, maritime art, music and food will fill the Charleston Harbour this weekend, which will launch Charleston’s Spirit of South Carolina, a tall ship that will serve as a training vessel.

Spirit of Bermuda is owned by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and was built in Maine, costing $5.7 million. It involves a sailing programme that promotes positive development for youth.

Former Mayor of St George and Chairman of the Department of Tourism, E. Michael Jones, joined the Spirit, in Charleston Harbour, for its official entry.

After waiting almost 48 hours to enter, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Lady Vereker and Chairman of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, Hank Hofford, were on hand to greet it.

Mr. Riley hosted a luncheon for Mr. Jones, officials from the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, Chris Blake, Captain of the Spirit of Bermuda and two young crewmen that made the voyage — Reid Perinchief and Marcus Fox.

Also present were officials from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club that included Andrew Cox, Ralph Richardson and representatives of the Charleston Maritime Foundation.

Visitors from Bermuda, were also given a tour Charleston’s new boat that was recently unveiled, but is not ready for an ocean passage.

It is similar in size to Spirit of Bermuda and will be in service by later this year.

Mr. Riley spoke about the twin projects and discussed the historical ties between the city of Charleston and Bermuda.

He said fostering closer ties through sailing programmes, is something he hoped would continue in the future.