WITHIN the space of about 15 minutes my relaxing day sail had turned into a palm-sweating, heart-thumping test of courage.

As I stepped into the harness and fumbled with the straps, I tried to remind myself why climbing the Tall Ship Pelican’s mast had sounded like such a good idea.

I had watched dozens of my fellow passengers undertake the challenge and return safely to the deck with beaming grins yet now it was my turn, the 30ft platform seemed to stretch endlessly away into the clear blue sky.

Thoughts of being 10 years old and crying half-way along a high rope walk at Carey Camp outdoor education centre sprang to mind.

My request for a helicopter rescue hadn’t worked then and probably wouldn’t now so I quelled my fears, stepped up onto the side of the ship and grasped the metal hand bars on the rigging.

My facade of calm was shattered by the first few steps of my ascent when I ignored advice about standing tall and hugged the rigging so closely my knees had nowhere to move.

The Pelican’s bosun Jez Godrich encouraged me to relax, lean back and keep moving until I reached the main tops – platform – where I was coaxed to lean further out to sea and clamber over.

Before I knew it I was posing for photographs and admiring the breathtaking view of the Jurassic coastline that surrounded the ship, which is an amazing sight in itself.

Above me, volunteer crew chatted away gaily as they packed away the Square Rigger’s sails and their bravery seemed a stark comparison to my own trembling knees.

The climb back over the platform edge was daunting but from there it was easy and as my feet hit the deck, I too had a ridiculously large grin.

Jez insisted I was not the most cowardly mast novice he had coached up, so with some relief I settled back into enjoying the day sail, feeling a sense of achievement.

What a treat it was to bask in the sunshine and see Dorset’s World Heritage Site from its best perspective.

Passengers on Weymouth’s very own Tall Ship, which is primarily used for youth training voyages, are encouraged to get involved from the moment they step aboard.

The ship ran like clockwork thanks to a passionate team of volunteer and permanent crew, all of whom are helpful, encouraging and full of stories.

The day sail began at 9.15am and following a safety brief, there was a welcome mix of hands-on activity with passengers guided to help sail setting and turning the ship followed by relaxation once we were on course to Worbarrow Bay, east of Lulworth Cove.

Sailing master Francis Noel-Hudson brought the former trawler and container ship's history to life with a talk aided by a wooden model of the vessel and photos.

On arrival to the sheltered bay, a hearty lunch was followed by opportunities to ride on the ship’s rigid inflatable boat and climb to the main tops.

All the passengers on my day sail – families with young teenagers, couples and pensioners – got stuck in, feeling at home with the friendly atmosphere and non-stop teas and coffees.

Even the toilets on board were a pleasant surprise, with a proper porcelain bathroom unit and flush.

Our return to Weymouth featured a delicious homemade fruitcake, then feeling sun-kissed and invigorated from a day at sea, we witnessed the spectacle of the Pelican coming alongside – pushed in by two rigid inflatable boats under radio instruction from the captain – while dozens of onlookers lined the harbourside.

There was then an opportunity to tour the ship, which can accommodate 11 permanent and volunteer crew and 28 voyage crew in seven large, mostly en suite four-berth cabins, plus separate showers and toilets.

Several of the young people on board showed an interest in finding out bursaries and opportunities to sail in the Tall Ships Races on board the Pelican and the attraction was clear to see.

As Francis said: “It's a fantastic thing for youngsters to do to sort out their brains, especially when they’re on look-out.

“In this day and age they never get time to think.

“They also learn teamwork and discover a completely different life very quickly on a boat like this.

“There’s threatening, exhilarating situations, sometimes boring and they share that with people, total strangers who very soon are not strangers at all. It’s a very special experience.”

Get on board

IN addition to youth adventure voyages, day sails and Channel sails, the Tall Ship Pelican is also gearing up to take part in the International Tall Ships Races 2011.

Later this year the Pelican will embark on a transatlantic expedition voyage and a Caribbean adventure.

The charity is always looking for young people, aged 15 to 25, to get involved in sailing voyages.

The Tall Ships Races, which involves four legs from June 20 to July 30, are getting booked up fast but places can still be snapped up and there are also opportunities on a North Sea Challenge.

Visit adventureundersail.com or call 01305 839476 to find out more.