Bermudians will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the world's second largest Tall Ship as she passes by the South Shore this morning.

The Russian ship Kruzenshtern will pass approximately four miles to the south of Gibbs Hill on her way back to Russia at around 7 a.m.

And Bermuda's own tall ship, Spirit of Bermuda, hopes to meet with the distinctive white and black-sided ship as she passes through Bermuda waters.

Simon Colley, Captain of Spirit of Bermuda said he is looking forward to accompanying Kruzenshtern along South Shore, adding that the early morning light should allow for perfect photographs.

The Kruzenshtern was one of two dozen ships participating in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2008 and was berthed along Front Street when the fleet travelled to Bermuda in 2009. Several Bermudians travelled on the large ship during the races.

The ship recently spent two weeks in Vancouver supporting the Russian Olympic team before heading to Venezuela to host a meeting between Venezuelan President Hugo Chaves and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

John Wadson, chairman of Tall Ships Bermuda said that good weather on Friday should provide a good view of the ship as she passes by on her way to her home port of Kaliningrad in Russia.

"The success of the Tall Ships 2009 event in Bermuda allowed us to forge friendships with all of the ships' captains," said Mr. Wadson. "And we are in continuous contact with them as we prepare for an exciting 2010 summer of sail training races."

Mr. Wadson also reminded young people in Bermuda of upcoming opportunities to join Tall Ships as sail trainees in two events:

The Tall Ships' Races in Europe, which takes place between July and August. and the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge between June and August.

Tall Ships Bermuda sponsorship is available for Bermuda residents aged 15 to 25. Application forms and more information is available www.tallshipsbermuda.com or paulinanorthover@tallships.bm.