“Cruise is back and Poole is ready.”

The words of Captain Brian Murphy, Marine & Port Director and Harbour Master with Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC).

He was speaking after officially welcoming the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel to the port.

She slipped into Poole Harbour just after 7am on July 29.

Not her first call – Golden Horizon made her inaugural visit on July 12.

But then it was clouded in mist and rain.

This time the weather conditions were near perfect.

The arrival was marked with the traditional exchange of gifts between Captain Murphy and Captain Mariusz Szalek, Master of the 272-guest vessel.

A plaque bearing the PHC logo for Golden Horizon and a plate with an image of the sailing ship in return.

Golden Horizon is a near replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel, France II.

She was built by the Brodosplit Shipyard in Split, Croatia, and is 525ft long with a gross tonnage of 8,440 tonnes.

All her 140 cabins are sea facing.

Since May Golden Horizon has been chartered by Tradewind Voyages.

Her full complement of sails cover more than 6,000 square metres of canvas when hoisted.

Captain Murphy, who described Golden Horizon as a “majestic lady” said: “We have always taken great pride in the service levels we provide any cruise ship that visits Poole Harbour.

“Since the completion of our new cruise berth we have welcomed many and the majority have returned.

“The incredibly beautiful Golden Horizon is no exception and it was such a pleasure welcoming her back.

“The pandemic resulted in cruise ships laying up around the world for almost 18 months.

“Fortunately cruise around the UK has restarted with international cruise about to follow.

“More cruise ships are arriving in Poole this year with bookings for the next two years secured.

“Cruise is back and Poole is ready.”

Among those waiting for Golden Horizon was Alex Anderson, MD and Lead Drone Pilot of Maritime Filming Ltd.

He took our stunning aerial pictures.

The 20-year-old started the business – combining his twin passions for filming and boating – while still at secondary school after buying the domain name for 99p.

Alex, pictured left, said: “Since starting my business I have had the pleasure of filming a wide range of sailing events, ship arrivals, and new yachts.

“It was great to provide aerial filming for the arrival of the majestic Golden Horizon into Poole Harbour.

“Capturing beautiful moments and events for those that can’t visit is always very fulfilling.

“Our work in Dorset is incredibly varied.

“As someone who has always wanted to be superyacht crew, since visiting the Southampton Boat show at a young age, it’s a dream come true to now provide Poole-based Sunseeker International with all their aerial filming, including drone filming of the ‘Famous Five‘.

“In addition to filming Sunseeker’s stunning yachts, I have recently completed filming for ITV’s ‘Olivia Meets Her Match’ in Sandbanks, Bournemouth and Poole as well as filming with a selection of marinas such as MDL Cobbs Quay and Salterns Marina.

“Earlier this year it was lovely to work with Poole Harbour Commissioners to provide filming for the arrival of Pip Hare back into Poole after completing the Vendee Globe.

“The atmosphere was electric.”

A video by Maritime Filming of Golden Horizon’s arrival in Poole can be seen by clicking here.