TWO friends from Greenock are preparing to set sail on a seven-day voyage from Oban to their home town.

Sean Wiseman, 14, and Bobby Stone, 13, will join 10 other young people from across the UK in taking on the challenge of sailing a 70ft yacht.

The Clydeview Academy pupils will be expected to not only to steer and navigate the yacht but also to lend a hand with cooking and cleaning.

Two yachts will set sail from Oban on Monday, one with Sean, Bobby and 10 other young people aged 12-15 and a second with 12 young people aged 16-19.

The boys, who are keen sailors, are excited about the trip ahead of them.

Sean said: “I got into sailing about two years ago and love it.

"I went on this voyage last year and thought it was a great experience.

"This year I asked Bobby to come too, we have been friends since first year and although it’s a challenge, I think we will manage.

“I am looking forward to exploring a little further out, I think it’ll be great.”

Bobby added: “I come from a sailing family and have been sailing since I was really young.

"Sean asked me if I’d do this with him and I agreed, it looks like fun.

“I am looking forward to seeing new places that I haven’t seen before and challenging myself.”

The lads say they are looking forward to meeting other young people on the voyage.

Sean said: “We haven’t met the others yet but we are excited to get to know them, it's good meeting people from elsewhere in the UK."

Bobby added: “I have been away for weekends but never for seven days.

"I'm looking forward to doing something different."

Christie Laing, of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, who have organised the trip, said: “The voyage is a fantastic adventure and offers young people the chance to develop confidence, problem solving and team work skills and see some beautiful parts of Scotland.”

The yachts are due to arrive in Greenock on August 5.