As Spirit of Bermuda heads towards Charleston, South Carolina, in the latest leg of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, skipper Simon Colley last night sent this despatch on the progress made since departing Bermuda on Monday with the rest of the Tall Ships fleet.

"An amazing dawn watch. After a night of fast sailing at 10-12 knots we surged past Peter Von Danzig at about 0500, just as the front closed over us and the deluge fell from the sky. In the dazed and confused breeze that followed we spent about 30 minutes frantically handling sail, as we slowed to a standstill and the German sloop regained her lead. A beautiful dawn with some impressive clouds and shifting breezes as the two vessels continued to trade places throughout the morning. Some fine sailing with happy, drenched faces and a fresh pot of Rock Island brew."

Spirit's position at 1400UTC: Thursday June 18th.

31º51'N x 72º17'W

COG 254ºT

SOG 5.4 knots

SE x S'ly breeze, Force 2 - slight sea.

Barometer 1017 mb and falling gradually.

Under full sail on a beam reach

Daily run since 1400 yesterday: 181 NM as the crow flies.

378 NM from Bermuda

374 NM from Charleston (Halfway there)