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BERMUDA WELCOMES TALL SHIPS
RACE 2000
Festooned Fleet to Arrive in June
With a heritage rich in
seafaring lore, Bermuda is an ideal destination for harboring this fleet. From
June 9 12, over 25 majestic vessels, rigged with three or more masts and
crewed by youth under 25-years-old, will receive a welcome to the island after navigating the high seas from
Cadiz, Spain. The island invites travelers to join in this historical
transatlantic tribute by participating in island-wide festivities and open
houses on select ships.
The Island of Bermuda, just
two hours by air from the East Coast, stretches for 21.6 miles along turquoise
waters, surrounded by a 200 square-mile coral reef plateau. Bermuda's activities offer an array of
vacation options, including golf courses, wreck dives, horseback riding, deep
sea fishing and relaxation on the world-renowned pink beaches. Accommodations range from
luxury resorts to intimate guest cottages and family-run inns, all
incorporating the hospitality unique to the Bermuda experience. For more information, please call your
travel agent or 1-800-BERMUDA or visit www.bermudatourism.com Images courtesy of Lou Hammond & Associates Edited by Heather DeVille |
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Bermuda is no stranger to
ships crossing in the night. This summer, however, Bermuda will host a unique
event in the sailing world, serving as the final port to the westbound
transatlantic leg of Tall Ships 2000, an international race held to commemorate
the new millennium and representing the largest-ever international fleet of
sail training ships. 
While the race will include
other renowned maritime destinations such as Genoa, Boston, Halifax and
Amsterdam, Bermuda will be the only site to dock the vessels at three ports,
including the historic town of St. George's, the Royal Naval Dockyard and the
island capital Hamilton. Visitors will feel themselves transported to the 18th
century as they meander down Front Street, bordered by the island's traditional
pastel storefronts and the ships' regal
riggings.
Island festivities and open
houses, combined with Bermuda's multiple year-round attractions, contribute to
this exciting celebration. On June 8,
visitors can participate in an official tall ships welcome by the island's
traditional Gombey dancers. That evening,
there will be a Tall Ships Festival on Front Street, with entertainment, food,
crafts and shopping. On June 9-10, select ships will host open houses from 12
4 p.m. with a talent show later at Hamilton's City Hall Car Park. It will
feature local talent as well as participants from Tall Ships' crews.