Kids to board tall ship for OpSail 2012

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- The parade of sail for OpSail 2012 should be quite a sight, but imagine being on board one of the tall ships. It makes one New London High School student nervous.

"Yeah, just a little bit," said Mychal Brown.

Brown is one of five New London students chosen to climb on board New Jersey's Tall Ship, the AJ. Meerwald. They'll head to the Garden State Monday and then sail back on board the floating classroom.

"What are you looking forward to on the trip," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Having a good time," said Ayzel Morales, New London High School.

"Learning about the boat itself," said John Adams, Marine Sciences Magnet High School, "it's history."

"Just about everything," Brown said, "like where the boat came and why is it important coming over here. Just learning different things."

Most of the other students and everyone else in New London will be able to see the ships from shore, but they'll still be able to learn because they'll be allowed to climb on board once they're docked.

Among those folks may be some kids from the Drop In Learning Center.

"Yeah I saw them at the beach," said Christopher Casey Jr.

"Oh you saw some ship's already," Detelj asked.

"Yeah, a big giant one," Casey said.

There are many more to come with OpSail.

"It really should be an amazing experience," said Mayor Daryl Finizio. "It's something I've never gotten to do, so I'm jealous."

It is a unique opportunity for a lucky few.