One of the world’s most luxurious true sailing ships docked in Dundee on Wednesday.
The Sea Cloud II arrived in the City of Discovery ahead of a tour of the InnerHebrides.
The impressive ship has 23 sailsoperating from three masts the tallest of which stands at 187ft and was seen by commuters in the early morning as it made its way up the Tay.
It made for an eerie scene as the white ship merged into its decidedly grey surroundings.See more of Chris Buchanan’s photoson FacebookIts total sail area is a massive 32,000sq ft, making it one of the largest true sailing ships in the world, as well as one of the most luxurious.
The 384ft long ship had travelled to Dundee following a Baltic tour that beganin St Petersburg and will be heading south to the Mediterranean after the Scottish sojourn.
The ship’s cruise director Tom Hooktook The Courier for a tour on board and said the crew were delighted to be in Dundee.
He told The Courier: “We just had one charter that finished and another starting from Dundee.We will be heading from here to Oban on a 10-day itinerary.
“We started our last trip in St Petersburg two weeks ago, travelling to the Baltic ports it was a really great trip.
“It is great to be here and we’re looking forward to getting under way again. There are a large number Scottish people among the passengers, as well as people fromAustralia and other places.”
Mr Hook, who is originally from Oregon but now lives in Florida, has worked as one of the ship’s 65-strong crew since 2001, when the ship was built.
He said: “Our ship is 118 metres longand has three masts. It was built in Spain in 2001 by a German company who stillown it.
“We fly the flag of Malta, are owned by Germans and chartered by everyone. It is very international and we go all over the world. All of our crew speak English but a lot also speak German because thecompany is based in Hamburg.”
The luxury sailing ship can host amaximum of 94 passengers across 47cabins. Cabins on the plush ship can cost almost £4,000 a week.
She is operated by Sea Cloud Cruises GmbH of Hamburg, who also own theoriginal and smaller Sea Cloud, built in 1931.