SCHOOL children will be among the guests welcomed aboard Weymouth’s tall ship Pelican this week.

Today and tomorrow the Pelican crew will include several local schools, training organisations and leaders of youth groups together with hospitality businesses.

All have all been invited by the captain of the Pelican to take part in a day sail to give them a taste of life on board the tall ship. Pelican’s Youth Adventure Voyages are specifically for young people aged 16 to 25.

The voyages of 10 to 12 days are designed to be challenging, enabling crew members to develop both personally and as a team.

While on board young people experience the excitement of a real adventure, learning life skills, gaining new confidence and making friendships that will last a lifetime.

Education and marketing officer Ben Swain, who is second mate on board the vessel, said: “We are delighted that we can offer this fantastic opportunity to local education and activity providers.

“The relationship between the Pelican and local education establishments are vitally important to the success of the Pelican’s strategy and ambition.

“During Tall Ships Races 2010 a Budmouth College student Stephanie Chung won the prestigious Torbay Cup which was a tremendous achievement on her part and a great honour for the ship.”

He added: “A voyage on a sail training ship, not only develops personal skills, but also enhances a young person’s social skills, and sense of responsibility, both in the community but also the team in which they are placed.”

The square rigged sailing ship sails thousands of miles each year with its crew of young people and the young at heart, offering challenging voyages for people from ages 15 to 80.

The permanent crew are always on hand to guide trainees, therefore no previous sailing experience is necessary for prospective crew – just energy and enthusiasm.

For more information contact Rose Robson at the Pelican office 01305 839476, email pelicanllp@btconnect.com or go online to adventureundersail.com