BARRY'S fantastic Waterfront Weekender is all set to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors as entertainment fills the streets.

As official media sponsor the Barry and District News spoke to two young people who will be looking forward to it more than most.

Barry Comprehensive pupils James Cox-Schembri, 17, and Shun Wong, 18, embark on an adventure of a lifetime just after the festivals ends.

The friends will set sail on the breath-taking tall ship Stavros S Niarchos after it leaves the event, gaining first-hand experience of life at sea.

They are amongst 48 students selected to take part in HSBC's annual Tall Ships Youth Trust voyage this September.

Representing 24 schools across the UK, the teenagers will set sail from Barry and spend 11 days on a course for London on board the magnificent ship, one of Europe's biggest and best known square-riggers.

Following a familiarisation day in port, the novices will learn all they need to know through hands on experience at sea.

Under the weathered auspices of Captain Bob Stephenson and a professional and volunteer crew, the young people will learn how to navigate, set and stow the ship's 18 sails and scale the 36 metre masts (118 feet). They will work together in 'watches' sailing the ship 24 hours a day in order to make their date with Tower Bridge on Thursday September 16.

James Cox-Schembri said: "I am a little nervous because it is something completely new to me, but at the same time I am really looking forward to it. The students who went last year had such a great time and met so many people. I just hope I don't get seasick!"

Headteacher David Swallow said: "This is the second year we will have sent our students on the HSBC voyage. It is amazing the skills, self-confidence and social awareness they develop over such a short period of time from sailing a Tall Ship."