Bermuda Sun – August 16th 2006

Perfect weather, bagpipes and rum mark sloop launch
By B. Candace Ray

Bagpipes, Gosling's black rum and perfect weather combined to give the Spirit of Bermuda a festive launch on Sunday.

The new sloop was eased into the water from Rockport Harbor Park, Maine at high tide, with all the fanfare, ceremony and tears expected of this momentous occasion.

Master of Ceremonies, Bermuda Sloop Foundation (BSF) Executive Director Malcolm Kirkland led the celebration following the advisory of St. George's town crier David Frith. BSF Directors, Ralph Richardson, Dr. Roland Barth and chairman Alan Burland briefly spoke about the importance of education and the impact of Bermuda's new tall ship on the character and community building, teamwork and integrity of its youth.

BSF directors Jay Kempe and John Wadson were also present.

On behalf of major sponsor Government, Minister for Education, Terry Lister said a few words, and as minister to the White Hill Gospel Chapel brethren, blessed the Spirit of Bermuda.

Deputy Governor Nick Carter, City of Hamilton Mayor Jay Bluck and Corporation of Hamilton Alderman Sutherland Madeiros were among the 100 guests attending from Bermuda.

Approximately 200 others watched Nancy Wadson, the only attendee of six who named the sloop, christen the Spirit with a bottle of Gosling's Rum. As the ship did the 20 minute traditional harbour motor cruise following launch, Town Crier Frith bag-piped the guests across a bridge and to sloop builder, Rockport Marine for a reception in the yard.

Gosling's-supplied dark & stormies, traditional Bermuda fish chowder and barbeque by the boat's galley crew, music by Bermudian singer and guitarist Chris Broadhurst, a tour of the vessel with Capt. Chris Blake and perfect weather accompanied the festivities.

"It was really deeply moving," Mr. Burland said.

The STV Spirit of Bermuda undergoes sea trials during September, with a hoped-for arrival in Bermuda on the 30th.

The BSF expect that Bermudian boats will escort the sloop as she heads for Hamilton's Albuoy's Point or flagpole, depending upon which ships are in port and what schedule the Corporation institutes for other vessels. A town crier and Bermuda Regimental presence are also intended.

"We will keep the public informed as we get closer to the time," Mr. Burland said.