Created: Oct 01, 2016 08:00 AM
Welcome back: spectators look on as the Spirit of Bermuda cruises into Hamilton Harbour last night. (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Fresh from a month of renovations, the Spirit of Bermuda sailed resplendently into Hamilton Harbour last night to celebrate its tenth birthday.
The Bermuda Sloop Foundation hosted the party at Albuoy’s Point from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, with the crowds kept entertained by musical performances, Gombey Dancers and tours of the ship itself.
The 118-feet sloop arrived back on the island on Thursday, following an extensive refit in Maine.
“Her bottom had to be scrubbed and painted, the masts needed to come out, the rigging needed repairs, work was done on the electronics — there was just natural wear and tear,” said the foundation’s CEO Diana Martin.
“She should be looking beautiful and absolutely brand new.”
Since the Spirit of Bermuda launched as a training ship in 2006, roughly 4,000 school students have boarded the vessel to embark on its programme, which teaches sailing techniques, teamwork and more.
“It was a real challenge to get her built, it has been a real challenge to keep her going for ten years and it’s going to be a real challenge to keep her going for another ten years,” Ms Martin said.
“She has become an icon for Bermuda, and we couldn’t have done it without the community’s support.”
The "Faithfull" escorts the Spirit of Bermuda in to the Hamilton Harbour at Albouy's Point for the it's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Big turnout at Albouy's Point for the Sloop Foundation's, Spirit of Bermuda's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Crewmen drop sails, as The Spirit of Bermuda enters in to the Hamilton Harbour at Albouy's Point for the it's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Ahoy there: crew on the Spirit of Bermuda as it enters Hamilton Harbour at Albouy’s Point for its tenth anniversary
Young talent: junior town crier Dequan Trott looks the part and, below, there was a big turnout for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s anniversary party
Tara Cassidy of Rockfire Productions, giving young Camya Matthew, 8, student at Northlands Primary School, a few tips on balance at the Sloop Foundations, Spirit of Bermuda's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Joshephine Cosham, 5, student at St. Georges Prep. learning to fly, with Tara Cassidy of Rockfire Productions, at the Sloop Foundations, Spirit of Bermuda's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Spectators look on, as The Spirit of Bermuda enters in to the Hamilton Harbour at Albouy's Point for the it's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Big turnout at Albouy's Point for the Sloop Foundation's, Spirit of Bermuda's 10th Anniversary Celebration (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
