“The trip on the swan from Orkney to Greenock to Belfast, then back to Shetland has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life.”

“We have been taking part in all possible activities on the swan ranging from helming to cooking to even the joys to of cleaning heads.”

“We have so many memories to share; the magic of the Mareel, the plunging waves and gales leaving us with salt swept hair.”

“I watched the spray as the boat ploughed through the night swell and my gaze fell on the place where the foam was being formed in front of me. Brilliantly white sparks of light floated past us on the Atlantic and into the distance. The Mareel – which I hadn’t even heard of before this trip – occasionally sparked up from the water, which reminded me of a glowing ember in a bonfire that escapes in the wind.”

“The rigging of all of the Tall Ships made a spectacular sight as we came into the harbour in Belfast to a volley of horns. The atmosphere was electric and even from the water the whole city seemed to be buzzing. As the days progressed, the crowds multiplied and a camaraderie between the different boats developed making the experience even more special.”

“It’s amazing how monumental an experience can be in somebody’s life. A little over a week ago we came together as a group of individuals. Now we sit together united as a team with so many memories of our time together and the knowledge that our adventure has had such a positive impact on our lives.”

“It’s hard to think that 12 days ago we didn’t know each other at all but now were like a family sharing laughs and mischief.”

“This opportunity has been a complete eye opener for me and I can only hope to do something like this again.”

“This trip has been amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Shetlands sail trainees are arriving home tomorrow!

Emily Leask, Bixter; Barry Cranie, Ollaberry; Symone Duddy, Virkie; Nathan Bryant, Lerwick; Michael Thomson, Unst; Heather Gray, Unst; Jack Henderson, Lerwick, and Shona Duerden, Tingwall are arriving home tomorrow after taking part in the Small Ships’ Race from Greenock to Belfast onboard the ‘Swan’.

Watch this space for up-dates and pics from their trip!!!!

A new organisation called Sail Training Shetland has been formed to provide local sail training opportunities for young people.

For 2009, eight young adults between the ages of 15 - 25 are being given the chance to participate in the Association of Sail Training Organisations Small Ships' Race from Greenock to Belfast in August.

Boarding the Swan in Kirkwall on Saturday 8 August you'll sail to Greenock for the start of the race, on board Shetland's own sail training vessel the Swan. Arriving in Belfast on or around Thursday 13 August, sail trainees will be able to join the celebrations coinciding with the arrival of the Tall Ships fleet in Belfast as the final port in the 2009 Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge.

NorthLink Ferries Limited has kindly provided sponsorship for the costs of passage between Shetland to Orkney. All you have to do is provide a personal contribution and personal expenses for the trip.

Applications are now being invited for the eight places being sponsored by Sail Training Shetland. Application forms can be downloaded from the following websites:-

www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sail-training
www.tallshipsraceslerwick.com/sail-t...

The deadline for sumitting your application is 12 Noon on Friday 22 May 2009.

DON'T MISS THE BOAT!!!