A GROUP of Weymouth youngsters were treated to a memorable experience on board Weymouth's very own tall ship Pelican last weekend.

The group was made up of cadets from Dorset Fire and Rescue and Weymouth Sailing Club.

The exciting two days started with a night on board the ship, which was anchored in Weymouth Bay, and gave them an outstanding view of the fireworks on Sunday evening.

All the youngsters involved were given hour-long shifts throughout the night and into the early morning.

This gave them the chance to keep a lookout over the ship and monitor other boats in the area.

In the morning, the cadets were served breakfast followed by practise drills for safety.

This involved all the participants gathering on the most forward deck of the ship with life jackets on.

The sails were then hoisted and all aboard helped with rope pulling and were taught how to coil them correctly.

Each participant was then given the opportunity to helm the 114-foot ship in Weymouth Bay and along the Jurassic Coast.

The excitement was not yet over on arrival back in Weymouth Harbour as the cadets and the adults accompanying them were given the opportunity to climb the very tall mast.

Many took up the challenge and were pleased that they succeeded.

Ellie Standley, a fire cadet, said: “It was a fantastic experience and gave an opportunity to do new things like climbing the mast.

“The crew were very friendly as well as introducing us to many of the practical things which have to be done to sail a tall ship. I would thoroughly recommend it.”

Becky Simmons, marketing and fundraising officer for Adventure Under Sail added: “On Bank Holiday Monday we were delighted to welcome 25 cadets and three adults from Weymouth Sailing Club and Dorset Fire & Rescue cadets on board for an overnight stay in Weymouth Bay followed by a day sailing along the Jurassic Coast.

“This opportunity was made possible by The De Brye Trust who kindly sponsored the cadets to take part in this day of sail training on board our tall ship Pelican.

“The objectives of an experience such as this are to get young people working outside of their comfort zone and as part of a team.

“We hugely enjoy watching them work together, meet new people, and come out of their shells.

“We've had great feedback from the experience and hope to welcome these young people on board again in the future."

The opportunity was a very generous gesture for the young people who will certainly remember the great experience they had on the tall ship.

Pelican is run by the charity Adventure Under Sail. For more information and opportunities, visit adventureundersail.com or call 858274.