TWO Suffolk schoolgirls are planning to take part in a once-in-a lifetime sailing adventure.The Cutty Sarks Tall Ships Race 2002 is an international event in which crews of youngsters aged between 16 to 25 compete in 80 ships from around the world – and A-level students Katherine Sladden and Gemma Arthur are hoping to join the race on its third leg from Santander in Spain through the Bay of Biscay to Portsmouth.

By Penny Tyndale>

TWO Suffolk schoolgirls are planning to take part in a once-in-a lifetime sailing adventure.

The Cutty Sarks Tall Ships Race 2002 is an international event in which crews of youngsters aged between 16 to 25 compete in 80 ships from around the world – and A-level students Katherine Sladden and Gemma Arthur are hoping to join the race on its third leg from Santander in Spain through the Bay of Biscay to Portsmouth.

The girls, who attend Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, have secured themselves berths on the Stad Amsterdam, a Dutch clipper, the only sailing clipper in Europe – and need to raise £1,600.

Katherine's entry into the Tall Ships race – being held from July 5 to August 18 – is just the latest in a series of challenges. The 17-year-old Cambridge candidate, who is also Head of School, has already completed her bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Gemma is looking forward to a degree in Hotel and Catering Management at the University of Gloucestershire.

The girls – and others at the school who are also taking part – are seeking contributions ("no matter how small") to make their once in a lifetime opportunity a reality. In return, they will send their sponsors a detailed account of their voyage, and would also be willing to give a presentation on their return.

If you would like to help them on their way, please contact the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX, tel: 01473 326200, or e-mail 95013@royalhhospitalschool.org.