IT was a magnificent sight as a striking tall ship came into Teignmouth harbour escorted by a flotilla of small ships.

The 200ft ocean-going brig Stavros S Niarchos popped in for a flying visit en-route to Portsmouth near the end of a journey from Waterford in Ireland with a contingent of youngsters aged from 16 to 25, who were learning seamanship skills.

She arrived on the Tuesday high tide watched by hundreds on shore, and left 24 hours later.

The Stavros was built in 2000, carrying a traditional 18th century-style rig on a modern hull, with all mod cons below decks, including showers, air conditioning and heating.

Harbourmaster Cmdr David Vaughan welcomed the 500 ton tall ship, operated by the Tall Ships Youth Trust, and said the normal berthing, harbour and pilotage fees were waived by the harbour commission, Associated British Ports and the pilot company as a goodwill gesture.

‘We hope it will encourage other vessels of this type to visit Teignmouth – it is a good boost to the town. The crew and youngsters saw our resort at its best, and I am sure they will tell others how nice it is here.’

The weather for the arrival was almost too good – bright sunshine and virtually flat calm, which meant she had to use her engine instead of sails for the final leg from the Torbay direction.

But even with the sails folded, she still looked stunning, and amateur photographers on both sides of the estuary had some memorable shots.

The mayor, Cllr Paul Burgess, went aboard the ship to welcome the youngsters, and said: ‘They told me they really enjoyed their brief stay in Teignmouth, and were amazed at how many people turned out to watch them come in. Hopefully they will spread the word about how good the town is.’