Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 14/98) - It may not be exactly Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, but for two Yellowknife teens the thought of big city bright lights and sails opening on Lake Ontario promise two weeks of fun-filled adventure.

Julian Morse and Ben Singer left for Kingston, Ontario yesterday to be part of a 25-person crew which will navigate the waters of Lake Ontario for five days aboard the Tall Ship Brigantine.

The ship is a replica build in 1953 with Sea Cadet training in mind.

Now owned and operated by a volunteer organization, teenagers have the opportunity to apply for a week aboard the vessel as part of its working crew.

Morse's mom, Catherine Pellerin, said her mother heard about the opportunity while in Kingston, told the family and the rest, as they say, is history.

"This is a big adventure for two teenage boys," said Pellerin. "I just hope this doesn't turn out to be White Squall revisited.

"Julian and Ben are really lucky. I used to look at Tall Ships and wish I could get on one. It's a thrill of a lifetime."

Organizers of the Brigantine experience say it's not only to teach sailing skills, but to also provide a teamwork atmosphere, adventure and a fun-filled challenge to teenagers who become part of the ship's working crew.

Morse said he's known about the trip for about four or five months now and the excitement has worn off a bit since first hearing the news, but he's looking forward to the adventure.

"It sounded like fun when I heard about it and I think the ship's going to be OK," said Morse.

"But, I'm hoping to stop in Toronto for a while. Sailing is only fun for so long."

The two teenagers have some sailing experience aboard Singer's small racing boat and Singer is looking forward to sailing on a much bigger scale.

However, as with Morse, his mind spends just as much time thinking about the bright lights of Toronto.

"I'm really looking forward to the time on the ship, but I hope we get to spend some time in Toronto, as well," said Singer.

"We'll be on our own until Sept. 2, so that should be OK."