A 22-year-old Bermudian is getting set for the adventure of a lifetime, preparing to take part in a transatlantic voyage on board some of the world’s most majestic ships.

Nick Smith is the only Bermudian, so far, who has signed up to sail in all the legs of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta involving 19 tall ships and more than 1,100 crew, who will be visiting Bermuda later this year.

The regatta is being held in conjunction with the America’s Cup.

“I took part in a trip on the Spirit of Bermuda and it left me wanting more, so when this chance came up I grabbed it,” said Nick, who is working at the Hamilton Princess to help fund the cost of the voyage.

The journey begins in Greenwich, London, on April 13 and ends in Le Havre, France, on September 3. They will be visiting St George’s from May 26 to May 31 and Hamilton from June 1 to June 5.

Former Saltus Grammar School student Nick added: “All the ships are working ships, so it will be four hours on and eight hours off, every day. It’s not going to be a holiday.”

He will be sailing on three ships: the Christian Radich, the Wylde Swan and the Gulden Leeuw. The longest leg of the voyage will be from Quebec to Greenwich.

He added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. It is not something you experience normally. It will take me out of my comfort zone and take me to parts of the world I would not otherwise see.

“My parents, Peter and Maria, are a little nervous and my mom will be waving me off. She is nervous but excited. They both realise what an opportunity this is.”

Nick has received some bursaries to help cover the $14,000 cost of the trip and he is applying for others. He still needs to raise $9,000 and if anyone wants to help they can call him on 704 0494 or e-mail npsmith94@gmail.com.

Craig Nikolai, Project Management, Tall Ships Bermuda 2017 & Sail Training Association of Bermuda, said he was full of admiration for Nick and urged other people in Bermuda to sign up to take part in the regatta.

“You don’t have to do the entire voyage like Nick, you can sign up for different legs and it is open to anyone over the age of sixteen.”

Dr Nikolai said bursaries of up to 75 per cent of the total cost were available for those demonstrating financial need and who are aged between 16 and 25. The STA will also help with ways to raise the extra 25 per cent.

“This opportunity, with the ships coming to Bermuda, simply does not come around very often and we hope that Bermudians take advantage for what really could be the voyage of a lifetime.”

• Anyone interested in volunteering should e-mail volunteer@tallships.bm. If you are interested in being a trainee on-board a Tall Ship, e-mail trainee@tallships.bm. Or, call 296-2238. For more information, visit the website at www.tallshipsbermuda.com or visit the Facebook page tallshipsbermuda.