The ship was then transferred into being a training ship from 1861. it was recommisioned into service and left for the West Indies and Bermuda in late 1877. She left Bermuda to return to her home base of Portsmouth in England on the 6th of March 1878 and made a fast passage across the Atlantic to be positioned off the coast of the Isle of Wight on the 24th of the same month. It was while passing the island that the ship encountered an unusually heavy snow storm, capsized and quickly sank. Of the 319 on board, only two survived. Many were carried down with the ship and had no chance to escape, others died of exposure in the water only a few degrees above freezing.

The ship was later refloated but the damage sustained was so bad that it was broken up, the ships bell was taken to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight and stands in St. Paul’s Church.

The cause of the sinking was put down to the weather and no blame was placed on the captain or crew.

The Eurydice was immediately replaced by another ship of similar design and an equal number of guns and called HMS Juno. This ship was later renamed as HMS Atalanta and completed two sailings between England and the West Indies. While returning from a third trip to the West Indies the ship was lost at sea with all 281 crew in 1880, it was believed to have been a victim of another storm.

The locals were not overly impressed with the tens of thousands of hippies streaming through the island to the festival. But they soon discovered that the music fans were peaceful and harmless. 

The five days took place in England’s best weather. Not a drop of rain appeared to ruin the event and even the nights were pleasant and mild.

The artists included everything from Jazz to classical to gospel to folk to rock. An unknown Kris Kristopherson was poorly received on day one, but his repeat performance was well received. The big names of rock included The Who, The Doors, Jethro Tull, The Moody Blues and Jimi Hendrix. Leonard Cohen had been involved in the music scene for about two years before his appearance in front of half a million fans. Joan Biaz attracted fans from all over Europe. Many had made the trip from France to see her. Donovan performed. Miles Davis presented a set of outstanding music. 

Bits and pieces of the performances have been available for a while. But some are only now becoming available on DVD in stunning quality. Miles Davis’ set is one of these. The first thought is that the sets would be great for those that were there. Watching Miles Davis perform again, reminds us that the sets were good and are worth viewing for anyone, there or not. 

Leonard Cohen;s performance at the Isle of Wight has recently been released on DVD. Again, this promises to be enlightening and interesting to compare to his recent Live in London. The Who, Jethro Tull, Hendrix and the Moody Blues have all had sets from the Isle of Wight released on DVD. 

These are all well worthwhile and belong in everyone’s collection of music.