A LIFE on the ocean wave awaits ten students from Richmond School who have been chosen to take part in the Cutty Sark tall ships race this summer.

Along with two teachers, they will sail 850 miles in the restored 80-year-old trawler Excelsior from Antwerp in Holland to Alesund in Norway in July. It is the longest and most difficult leg of the race.

The sixth-formers, selected on a first come, first served basis, will be accompanied by teachers Ms Christine Ball and Mr Martin Towell, who have some sailing experience in small craft.

The 77ft Excelsior is owned by the Excelsior trust, a charity which restores and maintains traditional sailing vessels and owns a shipyard in Lowestoft, where young people are trained in shipbuilding.

Dr Peter Norton, a director of the trust who lives in Richmond, offered crew places on the ship because of family links with the school.

"Having seen my two sons do well as a result of their time at the school, I was pleased to be able to offer first option on the trip to Richmond School," he said.

"Excelsior has always done well in the race and I hope the students will come back with the first prize. They will be expected to take part in all aspects of running the ship from steering, hoisting sails, watchkeeping and general duties to learning basic seamanship, navigation and weather forecasting skills."

Mr Keith Allan, head of sixth-form, said: "This is the opportunity of a lifetime for the students and, as you can expect, there was tremendous interest in the school to take part." It would also be something to look forward to after summer exams.

Dr Norton warned the young sailors to be prepared for a cold crossing even though it would be July. "Think of going out on a winter's day and being very cold and dress accordingly," he advised them.

Excelsior is one of only 47 vessels on the national maritime heritage core list of boats, making it one of the most important in the country. The list also includes HMS Victory and the Cutty Sark.

Mr Towell said fundraising for the trip, which would cover accommodation and equipment costs and flights home, had begun with approaches to local businesses for sponsorship. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact Mr Allan at the school, tel 01748 828100, Dr Norton on 01748 825111 or the Excelsior trust on 01502 585302