Bermuda?s tall ship, left Maine yesterday and will undergo tests before beginning her maiden voyage to the Island.

Approximately 3,000 people attended the launch, some 300 of whom were Bermudian. The Minister of Education, Terry Lister, was also on hand for the launch ceremony.

The 112-foot three mast schooner will be used as classroom at sea. It will be used by a variety of groups and will have structured courses which are intended to enhance the students while connecting them with Bermuda?s nautical history.

?Bermuda, like so many communities, has large scale youth development problems,? Alan Burland, Chairman of the foundation said. ?We want to be known as a community that really cares about our youth and took meaningful steps to assist them. We are partnering with our schools and recreational programmes towards a large scale, sustainable, solution.?

He said the ship would benefit many people between the ages of 14 and 20. He added that the aim was to teach the ?whole kid?.

?She [the ship will accommodate a classroom of students, 24 at a time, providing balanced and applied education, character development and team building. Our training involves world class methods, experiential learning and proven teen development programmes.?

The Captain, Chris Burke, explained that the ship has been purpose built to suit Bermuda?s environment and the activities expected to take place on it.

To build the large ship the Foundation spent $5.7 million, 4.9 of which has already been raised. The Foundation;s executive director, said they hope to have the remaining money raised by January 2007.

On September 2 all crew members will board the ship in Portland, Maine and begin their voyage to Bermuda. It is expected to take 28 days and the ship is hoped to arrive on September 30. For more information visit www.bermudasloop.org