As they stepped on board the 110ft sloop many did not know each other.

On board the Spirit of Bermuda were 17 young men some of whom were seasoned Sloop sailors while others were embarking on their first international voyage. Some were home schooled while others attended Adult Education and some had already chosen their career path and were busy attending the Bermuda College.

One thing they all had in common was they were stepping aboard the ship on Mother's Day waving good bye to family and friends and preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

Some had signed on for the full 29 day voyage, which would see them stopping at Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Jamaica and Florida before returning to Bermuda while others would be hopping off at mid way point.

As the last lines were pulled in and the ship began to make its way out to sea typical young men behaviour ensued.

There was a lot of sizing people up, acting macho and trying to establish one's place in the crew.

The older ones, in their late teenagers and early twenties, were boisterous while the younger ones, some of whom were only 14, seemed unsure of what to do.

But soon enough they were all sea sick — a great equaliser among men it seems.

And almost overnight it seemed a crew was born. When the swells subsided the boys began to work together, help each other out and generally forget about being tough.

"It's a really great experience," Reid Perinchief said. "When you go out to sea people just forget about the distractions back at home. "You have a lot of time to think out here. Think about what you want to do in the future and some of the things you have done in the past."

Reid is one of the originals. He was on the maiden voyage almost two years ago and has climbed the marine ladder to the point where he is now a watch leader on board.

He was in charge of ensuring his merry band of men were on time — not an easy task when watch is at four in the morning.

"It's hard to explain, but I think I trust people more because of the Sloop," he said.

"You have to work together to get anything done and you need to be able to trust people with your life when you are on a ship."

Fifteen-year-old Vernon Harrison has been on the Sloop before as well, sailing around the Island. This was his first international voyage.

"I've been sick every time," he said. "And I mean S-I-C-K! But it goes away and I really like sailing on the Sloop. My younger brother will probably do it as well."

Some of the young men, such as Courtney Dublin, already see the sea as a way of life.

Courtney's father and grandfather are both involved in maritime careers and ultimately Courtney would like to be a Captain of international tankers.

"But before that I want to be the best Bosun's Mate (deck hand) the Sloop has had," the 14-year-old said.

These are just a few of the youngsters across the Island who have had the opportunity to sail on the Spirit of Bermuda.

The Sloop Foundation runs a programme where middle school students come on board for a five day sail around the Island.

The programme helps build team work while educating people about Bermuda's maritime history. The international voyages are for those interested in experiencing more of life aboard the Sloop.

The programme is also a spring board for many considering maritime careers.

In July, 12 young Bermudians are heading to Northeast Maritime Institute in Fairhaven, Massachusetts — free of charge — to obtain a certificate of competency-a qualification that is recognised by the US Coast Guard and other international agencies. For more information about the foundation or to give donations, contact 737-5667 or e-mail info@bermudasloop.org.