Six young Bermudians flew to Charleston last Saturday to join the Spirit of Bermuda sail training ship on the latest leg of her trans-Atlantic race.

The youngsters' airfares were paid for by the Tall Ships Bermuda charity.

A total of ten young Bermudians have so far joined the sloop during her journey, which began from Bermuda in April.

The latest batch is now en route from Charleston to Boston. They are Vernon Harrison, 16; Zeeko Johnstone, 16; Michael Byron, 16; Patrick Chapman, 16; Kejhaun Lee-Place, 15; and Tre Joinville, 15.

Malcolm Kirkland, executive director of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said: "We sincerely thank the tall ships people in Bermuda.

"The assistance with airfare was a far-sighted community benefit that literally broke the game open financially for these trainees."

He said the young people had already received funding for their time on board the ship from the XL Foundation, the Leperq Foundation, the Argo Foundation, the Bank of Bermuda Foundation and Hannover Re.

As of Wednesday this week the Spirit of Bermuda was placed fourth in the Charleston to Boston leg of the race and third in her class out of nine ships in total. The race will eventually end up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, next month.