A NUMBER of young people from both Dorset and London will embark on the Small Ships Race, which will include Weymouth’s very own TS Pelican.

The majestic sail training vessels will travel from West India Dock in London to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).

The students who depart from London tomorrow are expected to reach the WPNSA by June 15 for the race, which is being organised by the charity Adventure Under Sail and the Association of Sail Training Organisation (ASTO).

Adventure Under Sail sails within the region of 500 young people each year.

On this particular voyage the ships are all crewed by young people aged 12 to 25, many of whom have never sailed before.

For all these young people, the voyage is designed to develop confidence, team-working, the ability to cope with unfamiliar situations and build tolerance and understanding of others. Young crew members not only sail the boat, keep watch and help to navigate, they also learn basic life skills such as cooking and healthy eating.

The route for the race is of particular significance due to it linking two such iconic sporting locations in the UK. TS Pelican will be sailing from the east end of London where in less than 50 days the opening ceremony for the Games will be held, to the National Sailing Academy, the venue for the sailing events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A week after parading in the Jubilee Pageant, TS Pelican will embark on the race and will sail past the south coast of England before heading to the Jurassic Coast off Weymouth and Portland.

Ben Swain, education and training manager for Adventure Under Sail, said: “This is a first-class opportunity to link two areas of the country in such a positive Sail Training adventure.

“We are looking forward to hosting the crew next month and experiencing the positive impact this trip will have.”