Sailing a three-masted schooner across the Atlantic requires guts but most of all, teamwork. For many of the young people on board the Spirit of Bermuda, the Atlantic Ocean has proved a testing ground, not only of physical skills but also their mental strength and character. Some of the young Bermudian sail trainees tell reporter Amanda Dale how the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 has proved a life-changing experience.

Spirit has turned many teenagers' lives around, but for one, it has meant the difference between "destructive" behaviour and leading a productive life.

Cameron Joseph, 17, of Southampton, completed two transatlantic crossings in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge. He enjoyed the experience so much he is now keen to sail on to Charleston, Boston and Halifax.

"I'm getting off in Bermuda but I actually want to do the other legs too," he told The Royal Gazette. Sailing has always been a passion for me and I have sailed on Spirit since the sail training programme started. This boat has turned my life around.

"I used to always be getting into trouble but when this started taking up my time, it taught me how to respect myself and others."

He explained: "I was in trouble with the Police sometimes, and in trouble with other family members and friends. Some fights, but mostly arguing and being destructive.

"This has been such a great experience. You get to travel around the world and meet new people. You also learn new skills such as sail handling, navigation, engineering and cooking. I have enjoyed the scenery, learning new things and meeting new people. The things I missed were family and friends, but most of all, a good home-cooked meal."

Cameron, who works as a glazier in the family business, Vinyl Installations, now hopes to start an adult education carpentry course in September.

Jan-Michael Robinson battled through the pain of a torn ligament to take part in the challenge of a lifetime.

A houseman at Pompano Beach Club, the 22-year-old sailed from Vigo to Tenerife and then on to Bermuda.

Movement on board the Spirit however, was hampered by injuring his knee in a game of basketball the day before he flew out.

Jan-Michael, of Somerset, said: "It was very painful but I kept strong and worked through it and now I'm back on my feet.

"I had a brace on board and just kept on top of it, keeping my knee elevated until the swelling went down. It was hard trying to keep my balance, particularly when I was on the helm, but it taught me discipline. I've learned that if I push myself then I can do anything.

"This was an awesome challenge, and it was tough. Waking up at all sorts of hours in the morning and pulling up the sails, it was really hard at times.

"But it has been such a great experience."

When Vershon Simmons did not have enough facial hair to create a 'wacky moustache', he got creative with his hair instead. With his distinctive mohawk, the Mr. T look-alike is definitely someone you would want on your watch. Mr. T's B. A. Baracas character from the 80s television show 'The A-Team' would definitely approve of the 16-year-old from Warwick, and might even say "I love it when a plan comes together".

Vershon explained: "We had a wacky moustache competition on board. But I don't have much facial hair so I tried this instead.

"Our watch, we called ourselves The A-Team and I would say "I pity the fool", just like Mr. T."

The GED marine engineering student said: "This whole trip was a real big highlight but my favourite moment was when we started the race in Tenerife and we were the first ones across the start line. We got to see all the other tall ships sail and it was spectacular.

"The hardest thing was having no wind for eight days, when we were basically just bobbing on the ocean in the flat calm. But that was when everyone really got to know each other. We also got to go swimming in the middle of the Atlantic."

Vershon said: "But when I first saw Bermuda again, I was so happy, I was just speechless.

"All night we were tacking up and down 30 miles off the eastern seaboard, so we knew Bermuda was there but couldn't see the Island, so it was very exciting to first gain sight."

The first thing Jake Burchall wants to do now he is back on land is "go camping".

The 21-year-old from Southampton said he most missed "camping, fishing and my mom's rum swizzle".

Jake, an IT student at Bermuda College, is a park ranger in the summer and clearly loves the beauty of his home. "When we first saw Bermuda it was a joy, because all this time all we saw was blue horizons, fish and maybe a bird or two. I even dreamed about seeing land while I was asleep," he said.

"As soon as I get off the boat I'm going camping."

Jake said he was initially seasick for the first three days of the 20-day voyage from Tenerife, but that he "made it through" without medication.

"They wanted to give me medication but I decided to do it on my own," said Jake. "After a couple of days I felt strong again."

He lists his highlights as seeing dolphins off the bow and learning navigational skills, calculating longitude and latitude using a sextant.

"Another highlight was being able to control my temperament. I learned how to relate to people and express myself better," he said. "I can be a bit aggressive in how I approach certain situations but have been able to tame that now. I would really like to thank everyone who encouraged me and supported me to go on this trip."

Jake received a bursary from the Sloop Foundation and was also assisted by businessman Gavin Black. His uncle Shawn Bremar also raised funds for the voyage. Next week he rejoins Spirit for her onward journey to Halifax.