A ‘LIFE-changing experience’ awaited youngsters as they set sail for the Channel Islands aboard the tall ship Pelican.

Two students from IPACA joined a group of 12 from Weymouth College as they headed for the south coast and the Channel Islands aboard the Pelican of London.

Some of the students have never even been away from home before.

Lee Kenney, sport and outdoor education lecturer at Weymouth College is accompanying the students on the voyage.

He said: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to build their skills.”

The trip is being organised by Chesil Sailing Trust and is only possible thanks to funding of £5,300 from the Big Lottery Fund allowing the Weymouth College students to go on the trip.

Mr Kenney said: “It’s amazing, without the lottery grant we wouldn’t have been able to offer this opportunity.”

One of the people responsible for the students on board the Pelican is supernumerary Second Officer Rikk Butler.

He said: “Firstly, it’s going to be a very interesting challenge for the ship’s crew. It will be a life changing experience that they are coming on here.

“They will be exposed to life on board ship and they will be exposed to areas of life that are not normal for them.

“We will encourage everyone to do things but we will not force them to do them.”

Outdoor education manager at IPACA, Neal Burton is also going on the voyage.

He said: “None of them have ever done this before. We’re really excited just to have this amazing opportunity to do some actual training aboard Weymouth’s own ship.”

One of the IPACA pupils on the trip is Kai Bodenhamer,16, who is excited despite the daunting experience ahead.

She said: “I’m quite looking forward to it, I’m think I’m going to try and get stuck in.”

One of the many challenges they will face are the cramped sleeping conditions.

Kai said: “They’re better than I thought they would be. They’re quite small, a bit like a tin of sardines.”

The students will be away on the ship for four days and will need teamwork to make sure they reach their destination safely.

Students from London have also joined the voyage which has been designed to bring students from rural and urban locations together.

A second voyage will set sail for France next week with students from IPACA and Wey Valley School on board.