WEYMOUTH’S Tall Ship Pelican was given a fantastic send-off when she set sail on her first adventure voyage of the season.
The ten day trip to Liverpool was designed to help young people learn new skills including initiative, teamwork and confidence.
Weymouth and Portland Mayor Paul Kimber arrived with an entourage of young men dressed as knights and a dragon to celebrate St George’s Day.
He came on board to wish each member of the voyage crew well and stayed to wave Pelican off together with many members of the public who had gathered to watch.
The crew was also supported by local brass band Brass Tacks who added some cheerful music to the send off which also received a cannon fire salute from the Nothe Fort as she passed.
Young people on board included Andy Poland, an energetic and keen young man in his early twenties who has slight cerebral palsy. He has been particularly excited about his voyage and was very enthusiastic with regards to learning new skills to help gain more independence.
Pelican events manager Louise Keeling said: “The voyage was designed to be challenging to enable young people to develop both personally and as part of a team. It really is a life enhancing experience.
“We have fantastic success with helping young people realise their aspirations and learn new skills in an environment of excitement and adventure. It’s a great enhancement for any CV and no previous sailing experience is necessary.
“We have a calendar packed with exciting voyages this year including taking part in the exciting International Tall Ships Races and a Trans-Atlantic voyage to the Caribbean, so anyone interested in coming onboard should get in touch”.
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