1.
GV 'Eye of the Wind' moves up Thames river escorted by police launch
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2.
GV Up Thames river towards Tower Bridge
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GV 'Eye of Wind' continues up river
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4.
GV Up Thames river towards Tower Bridge
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GV 'Eye of the Wind' continues up river
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GV 'Eye of the Wind' rigging
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GV ZOOM INTO SV 'Eye of the Wind' passes under Tower Bridge (2 shots)
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GV Captain and crew of 'Eye of the Wind' with Tower Bridge in background
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GV 'Eye of the Wind' in mid-river
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CU Helmsman on ship
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GV 'Eye of the Wind' turning in mid-river as Captain gives orders (2 shots)
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SV People on board waving
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GV 'Eye of the Wind' docking beside pier
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Initials SW





Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: After sailing round the world during the past two years, the sailing ship "Eye of the Wind" arrived back in London on Saturday (13 December). During its epic voyage, the "eye of the Wind" served as a floating base for over 400 young explorers from all over the world who took part in Operation Drake, an expedition commemorating Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation in the Golden Hind 400 years ago.

SYNOPSIS: The arrival of the "Eye of the Wind" on the Thames in London marked the 403rd anniversary of the start of Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation and the end of a two-year, round-the-world expedition of adventure and discovery. It involved young scientists, technicians, experienced explorers and servicemen in scientific and community work and in challenging exploration.

The exploration was based on circumnavigation by the 150-tonne brigantine and the journey comprised 10 phases, each of three months, during which archaeological, zoological, biological, botanical, medical, geographical and community service projects were undertaken.

Multinational groups of scientists, explorers, carefully selected youngsters and men from the armed the armed services of many nations participated in each phase. By the end of the expedition, 95 scientists from 29 institutions in 11 countries had taken part in the various research projects.

Over 60,000 young people from all over the world, aged 17 to 24, applied for places on the trip. Four-hundred and four, from 27 nations were eventually chosen after interviews. The cost of Operation Drake was borne by sponsors from commerce, industry, charities and the armed services of various countries.

When the 'Eye of the Wind' finally docked at St. Katherine's, it had completed its voyage into the history books.