A 21-YEAR-OLD has set off on a voyage from Weymouth that she hopes will take her around the British Isles and to the Mediterranean.

Michelle Bayliff joined The Next Wave, a sea-going sail training ketch owned by Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

The former Thomas Hardye and Kingston Maurward student is undertaking a two-week adventure to the Isle of Wight but hopes she can raise £4,000 to complete the full six-month voyage.

Bayliff is appealing for public help to make her dream come true.

She said: “They have offered me to sail with them for two weeks to the Isle of Wight.

“Then – if I can raise sponsorship and financial support – I have the opportunity to complete a six-month discipleship training (DTS) course, bringing the love of Jesus to those in need and reaching out to the community wherever we sail.

“I will also be learning seamanship skills and helping the crew.”

The ship is currently sailing north to Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Liverpool before journeying south towards the Mediterranean next year.

Five years ago Bayliff applied to sail with Logos 2 which visited Portland , but backed out at the last minute and had been ‘kicking myself ever since for not taking the opportunity’.

She added: “I am so excited about this opportunity because I’ve never been out of Weymouth for more than two months in my life and I’m currently 21 and was working part- time as a cleaner.

“I feel so blessed to be given this chance.

“I hope I can inspire other youngsters to take the opportunities they are given and gain a wider perspective on life.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards Bayliff’s voyage is asked to contact her dad Jon on 07810447175. Follow the ship’s progress at ywamships.net/2011/12/1903