The sound of an alarm rang out below deck of the Spirit of Bermuda at 4.25am, disrupting what up until that point had been a peaceful night’s rest.

The 100-mile journey from New York to Newport, Rhode Island had officially begun.

Some of the sloop’s crew were slow to react to the early morning wake-up call, myself included.

As I got out of my bunk I asked myself ‘Whose clever idea was this to set sail this early in the morning?’ What a way to begin Father’s Day.

After freshening up in the Head (bathroom), and grabbing a quick bite to eat and a hot chocolate, I joined the rest of the crew above deck to begin preparing for a 5.30am departure.

With the occupants on surrounding boats moored around us still fast asleep, we discreetly snaked our way out of North Cove Marina — located directly below New York’s Financial Centre — out into the Hudson River.

The river was calm yet littered with fish that occasionally broke the water’s surface in pursuit of prey.

The view of the lower Manhattan and New Jersey City skyline were made all the more spectacular as the skyscrapers glowed from the reflection of the early morning sun’s rays.

As we sailed past Ellis Island it seemed as though old Lady Liberty herself was waving us goodbye.

After rounding the tip of lower Manhattan we turned left and headed straight for the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, silhouetted by the sunrise in the backdrop.

The crew took full advantage of the serenity of the moment, snapping photos with their cell phones and cameras to encapsulate the experience.

This was no tour ride, though, and the firm commands from captain Karen MacDonald as we sailed under the bridge reminded us of the seriousness of navigating out of one of the world’s busiest ports.

The crew was split into three watch teams, with newer faces on Spirit given a safety orientation by first mate James Doughty.

To our captain’s surprise there was not much marine traffic around, thus making our journey up the East River much easier.

We eventually reached Long Island Sound at 8.23am, switched off the ship’s diesel engine and hoisted all of Spirit’s sails.

Expectations of an earlier arrival in Newport were high as favourable winds pushed Spirit along at ten knots.

But Mother Nature had other thoughts in mind as gradually the winds decreased, reducing our progress to a trickle.

As the first watch feasted on tasty sandwiches prepared by chef Benjamin Bernardo in the ship’s galley, engineer David Goulbourne switched the engine back on with the sails still in full bloom to maintain our original pace.

Occasionally, silence above deck was pierced by shouts of “Go Tyler” from businessman Jim Butterfield as he received updates via social media of his son’s progress at a World Cup Triathlon in Mexico.

“He’s made a break from the pack on the bike,” said Mr Butterfield, who has chartered Spirit for the 49th Newport Bermuda Race. “I hope he can keep it going.”

Tyler Butterfield, a two-time Olympian and reigning Appleby Bermuda Half Marathon champion and Male Athlete of the Year, eventually placed eighth among a star-studded field.

“It was a very good showing,” Mr Butterfield said proudly. “The field was very strong so Tyler is quite pleased to have finished among the top ten.”

An hour-and-a-half into the second watch, silence was broken again as the reel on a fishing rod dangling over the stern began making that distinctive sound that gets one’s adrenalin pumping.

“Fish on”, yelled a crewman. Within seconds watch leader Gus Tucker had rod in hand and began reeling in the unsuspecting fish. But he eventually grew weary, leaving fellow crewman Clive Hook to land a healthy 6-8 lb bluefish instead.

“Another ten points for B Team,” Mr Tucker bragged, after catching his breath.

The fish had a large gash on its right side, suggesting it had been attacked by a larger predator as it was being reeled in.

After posing for photos with the modest catch, Mr Hook duly filleted the fish and left the rest for chef Mr Bernardo to do.

At 2.30pm the winds completely dropped out, prompting us to drop all sails and rely solely on mechanical power. Ten minutes later the reel on the rod went off again.

Expectations were high.

But there would be no high-fives or celebrations this time as the propeller from a pleasure boat that passed astern severed the line — much to the shock, annoyance and dismay of the crew.

Spirits were lifted as we dined on pan seared bluefish, caught earlier, that chef Bernardo so eloquently prepared for the crew as a late afternoon snack. The chilli he prepared for dinner was equally tasty.

The remainder of the afternoon and early evening was uneventful as the sun gradually dipped below the horizon behind Spirit’s stern.

After taking in a movie in the ship’s galley I drifted off to sleep only to be awakened by the captain’s cries of ‘All hands on deck!’

We were now within striking distance of our final destination, the lights that dot the suspended cables of the Newport Bridge, smell of food being cooked on a barbecue and loud sound of music confirming as much.

After carefully navigating our way around Narragansett Bay under the cover of darkness we docked at the Newport Yachting Centre at 11.21pm.

My journey was over. But for others aboard Spirit who are sailing in the Newport Bermuda Race, the journey continues. I wish them a safe and enjoyable journey home.