Most of us can remember the hysteria when the Tall Ships set sail from Belfast in 1991 as part of the Sail Training Association's annual Cutty Sark Tall Ships race.
As an eight-year-old boy, I marvelled at these ocean-going giants berthed at Pollock Dock.
Ten years on, as a representative of Children's Express I am about to join the crew of the Prince William, one of the Association's newest brigs, for an adventure of a lifetime.
The ten-day voyage embarks from Newcastle on Thursday, July 26, and sails to Portsmouth. The 48-strong crew will cover almost 1,000 nautical miles and visit several ports along the way.
I think this trip is going to mean a lot of personal development. I will learn new skills, how to work with other young people and have a really great time.
The Training Association has informed all deck hands that sailing on this voyage is a 24 hour job. Duties range from going some 40 metres aloft to set the highest sails on the ship to cleaning the heads (toilets to landlubbers).
Off watch, I hope to see dolphins, catch a beautiful sunrise or two, maybe write a few postcards and have a laugh with new friends onboard.
Facing the power of the oceans will no doubt be extremely challenging and physically hard, but whatever this once in a lifetime adventure throws at me, I think my voyage will provide an unrivalled experience.
About the team
This article was produced by editor Gary Meneely, 18. It was published in the News Letter.
