Young people trying to make the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup team took part in team-building exercises at Warwick Camp yesterday.

Michael Dunkley and Jeff Baron, the Junior Minister of National Security, met the group and saluted them for seizing “this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

The Premier added: “They are reaching over boundaries they have never crossed and gaining skills they will have for the rest of their lives, showing us that when opportunity knocks, you must open the door.”

The aspiring sailors spent three hours with Major Martin Wyer covering the assault course and learning team-building skills as part of an intensive one-week training camp.

The performance of candidates during this camp will help to determine who will advance in the selection process.

Only 18 youngsters will make the final team — 45 have met the minimum requirements so far.