The Spirit of Bermuda helped to strengthen historic ties between two seafaring communities at the weekend.

The schooner was host to Mayor Joseph Riley of Charleston, South Carolina, who sailed across the Great Sound on his maiden visit to the Island.

Mr. Riley is one of the most respected mayors in the US, and under his leadership Charleston has been voted among the top three US cities for tourists, after San Francisco and New York City in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.

Crime has fallen, racial harmony grown and the historic downtown business district has undergone a renaissance.

He was first elected in December, 1975, and his visit to Bermuda was a result of the biennial Charleston to Bermuda Yacht Race, which began in May, 1997.

Race organiser the South Carolina Maritime Foundation is also responsible for the Spirit of South Carolina — a training sail ship similar in size to the Spirit of Bermuda.

Commodore Ralph Richardson of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club was Mr. Riley's host during his visit. On Friday the Mayor met Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros. He also met Governor Sir Richard Gozney and other local dignitaries.

Over the weekend the Mayor enjoyed guided tours of St. George's, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the Maritime Museum, as well as the trip on the Spirit of Bermuda.

Mr. Richardson said: "The Mayor was able to get a first-hand view of the work being carried out in Bermuda as the volunteer crew consisted of several current students in the Spirit's local education programme.

"Mayor Riley is convinced that more can be done to bring our communities together and has pledged to work with local officials to develop an even closer relationship with Bermuda."