ERROR The original copy of this story was omitted from the Library directory. This is a copy of the unedited version. Please refer to the microfilm to examine the original copy of the story.

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean during the Tall Ships 2000 race has had a memorable impact on a young sailor who is at school in Massachusetts.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan Maneri is one of the hundreds of sailors that has braved the Atlantic in this year's race, and from the dozens of tall ships that line Front Street, it can be easy to imagine that every participant has a tale to tell.

"It's been fantastic,'' he said enthusiastically. "I've seen dolphins and whales and its been just great.'' Ryan is part of a 34 member crew on board the Westward , one of the smaller B class vessels.

He explained that the crew were going through a unique experience of a "semester at sea'' that allowed them to contribute their learning experience to their college credits.

"We're all part of an education association and we're doing an intensive six week semester at sea,'' said the biology major. "Learning all the hands on stuff has been great.'' Ryan said he was part of a mixed bag of students from all over the United States and agreed that this trip had taken him far away from his home in Colorado.

He admitted that sailing on the ocean was a little out of his element.

"It was a little weird at first, because I've never sailed on the ocean,'' he said. "I've sailed on lakes and stuff, but never the ocean. When I got back on land, my legs were all wobbly. I guess I had to wait until I got my shore legs back.'' Ryan noted that the voyage was very intense at times, especially when it was coupled with mandatory 24 hour watches.

"It's a very different experience,'' he said. "We are required to be alert at most times during the voyage but it definitely builds discipline.'' Reminiscent of days of old at sea, Ryan said he had to rely on his instincts in navigation situations.

"There have been a lot of lessons I've learned at sea,'' he said. "My navigational skills have really improved. You learn to observe surroundings without any kind of technology. I've also learned a lot about conservation.

When you have 34 people in a 127-foot space, and you're travelling so long on the ocean, you learn to conserve the resources.'' From Bermuda, the Westward will sail on to Massachusetts where he will disembark and allow the next group of young students to take over.

"We're two thirds the way through,'' he said, "and I'm looking forward to getting back home.

"The port of calls have been good, especially in Bermuda. You have really welcomed us. We have not had much contact with home and I'm ready to get back.'' The Westward is modelled on the north sea pilot schooners and is owned and operated by the Sea Education Association. It was built in 1961.