THE Golden Horizon, the world's largest luxury sailing ship, created quite the spectacle as it left the port of Poole as the sun set.

At 52ft long, the vessel – that is capable of carrying 272 passengers – is one of the largest commercial ships to berth at the port.

On Thursday (August 12) evening it headed out to sea after its second visit in recent weeks.

Tradewind Voyages, who own the ship, has operated a number of cruises off the south coast during July and August.

Almost a replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel, France II, the 8,440-ton square-rigged ship, was launched in 2021.

A spokesman for Tradewind Voyages said: "Our tall ship is powered by the billowing sails as much as possible and, as we follow, the sun, you'll discover a new-found freedom and time to connect with the beauty of the natural world.

"We believe ocean voyages should be powered by nature.

"That is why we intend to sail without using propulsion engines for around 70 per cent of each season."