UPDATED: Drone coverage by Luke Macaulay.

In stark contrast to the slow return of the Ever Given, the Shotley peninsula was treated to the glorious sight of the world's largest luxury sailing ship coming into harbour.

The Golden Horizon, a steel-hulled five-masted barque rigged tall ship, slipped serenely past Shotley marina and then Admiralty Pier, to then berth alongside at Parkeston Quay.

Swans floated by and the gorgeous early morning sunshine, helped reflect the ship's beauty on the river Stour.

As you can see by the picture from our sister Nub News in Falmouth, she is an even more spectacular sight when operating at full sail at sea.

Owned by Tradewind Voyages and flying under French flag, the Golden Horizon has been on a UK coastal tour, and sailed in from Dover at 7am this morning.

She sets sail later this evening for a 10-night trip to the south coast, taking in the Isle of Wight for Cowes week, which would set you back from £2,849 per person.

Boasting everything from a beautiful dining room and spa to a dive centre and library, the vessel has 140 staterooms which all face out onto the ocean.

She is a near replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel, France II, and retains the charm, adventure and romance of an historic ship, taking fare paying passengers on cruises.

It is estimated 70% of the Golden Horizon's journey are propelled by wind in the sails and making best use of the currents and tides, to increase sustainability.

Registered in Malta, her inaugural voyage was disrupted in mid-July when the ship was 'arrested' in Dover following a financial dispute between its original owner Star Clippers and the shipyard at which it was built.

Star Clippers confirmed it had received the 'first payment' made by Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia and the Golden Horizon was allowed to carry on her journey.

*Scroll right on top picture for more images

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