It’ll be a challenging fortnight at sea.

The renowned tall ship, The Brian Ború set sail from Cork with ten young trainee sailors on board today, as part of an annual initiative with Sail Training Ireland.

Joined by three experienced crew, the group will undertake a two-week-long voyage along the Cork coastline, as part of the Cork Sail Training Bursary scheme, first developed in 2014 to make sail training on board tall ships and sailing vessels accessible for young people.

This year will see around 470 participants across Ireland, taking part in 30 voyages. Places are available to young people from all backgrounds and of all abilities.

On board, the kids become part of the working crew and fully participate in crewing, steering, maintaining, cleaning, and cooking onboard.

They learn physical skills and key information about the sea and sailing but the real teachings are in confidence, leadership, communications, resilience, and an understanding of diversity.

“It’s fantastic to see these young people transform from a group of strangers at the beginning of the voyage to a close-knit crew by the end of it,” said Daragh Sheridan, Chief Executive Officer, Sail Training Ireland.

“They return not just with new experiences but new skills, new friendships, and new directions for the future.”