Ahoy me hearties and get ready to walk the plank if you dare cross the likes of the fictional Captain Jack Sparrow, or in this case Captain Chris Blake of the Spirit of Bermuda - the Island’s very own historic three-masted sailing ship.

If you fancy yourself a bit of a “gentleman o’ fortune” and can see yourself climbing rat lines to unleash the 4,260 square-foot sails on this majestic sloop, then the Bermuda Sloop Foundation would like to meet you.

Twenty-four youngsters between the ages of 14 and 20 were chosen to participate in the first local youth training programme on board the replica sloop, which arrives this month.

The Royal Gazette met with the executive director of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, Malcolm Kirkland, to find out exactly what was expected from the young crewmembers on board the grand ship. Mr. Kirkland explains that the training programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for youngsters to learn more about Bermuda’s rich maritime history and work on a ship the same way their ancestors would have 400 years ago.

Crew also learn about the marine environment, including weather patterns, wind patterns and marine currents and how to calculate them using the latest technology.

Mr. Kirkland believes the programme will help teenagers build personal character while taking part in team development exercises, while having fun learning.

As for the “booty”, if they prove their worth on board the 76-ton ship, two teams will get to join Captain Blake and a Bermudian crew in Tall Ship races against teenagers from other countries next year.

He says the eight teams will be handpicked from various areas of the Island.

“These single sex teams will spend up to 12 days aboard the ship every school year for the next three years.”

The Dockyard team will be the first to lift anchor, followed by a team from the East End, Warwick and later an all-girls team from Hamilton. But the adventure does not end there for these young buccaneers. They will continue to sail during holiday weekends and vacations and in total will spend up to 14 days participating in high seas adventure.

If it sounds like the vacation of your dreams, don’t be fooled. Mr. Kirkland warns this will be no holiday as crew members will participate in every aspect of life on board the sloop; from scrubbing the decks and hoisting the sails to cooking the broth in the galley below. You don’t need to be a sailor to qualify as Mr. Kirkland feels the crew should be made up of “regular kids”.

As for the grown-up crew on the vessel, each was hand-picked, not only because they are excellent mariners, but also because they are good at working with youngsters.

To find out more about becoming a crew member on board the Spirit of Bermuda <$>visit: www.bermudasloop.org