Six cadets from Nelson's TS Talisman will have the opportunity of a lifetime in July next year, as part of an offshore sailing voyage from New Zealand to New Caledonia. Sub Lieutenant Milo Coldren, cadet unit commander, says the cadets selected for the trip will help sail a 50' yacht from Opua in the Bay of Islands to Noumea, with he and one or two other adult watch leaders.

"The voyage will cover almost 1,000 nautical miles and the crew will have to fly back, as the yacht won't be returning until November," he said. "One of the hardest aspects of the entire process will be selecting the six cadets - we're fortunate to have such a fantastic corps of 30 cadets, but it will make crew selection very difficult. Those left ashore will still be involved in support positions, so everyone gets to play an important role."

This off-shore sailing voyage will be a first for the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps. Wing Commander Guy Bendall, Commandant of New Zealand Cadet Forces says it is an exciting initiative from a progressive sea cadet unit that is prepared to think big and extend itself.

"There will be valuable skills and learning experiences for the participating cadets in the detailed planning and sail training phase," he said. "And the voyage itself will be a demanding, challenging experience for the cadets that aligns well with the aims of the New Zealand cadet forces to foster a spirit of adventure and teamwork and provide challenging and disciplined training activities." Dave Sullivan, chairman of Nelson's Sea Cadet support committee says they really want to get the community behind the initiative.

"The teenagers will have to work alongside local businesses to develop corporate relationships while raising the $20,000 needed for the voyage," he said. "Planning and then actually sailing to a foreign country is a really fantastic opportunity that will help them grow in so many ways."

Training Ship Talisman is part of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, a voluntary, disciplined, uniformed youth leadership training organisation for those aged 13 to 18. The organisation is not part of the New Zealand Defence Force, but is directed by the Chief of Defence Force, on behalf of the Minister of Defence, and is supported in partnership by the NZDF and the community.