A BURGATE teenager has returned buoyant from a trip of a lifetime, having won the Tall Ships Challenge.

Bradley Thompson (17) set sail with the Jubilee Sailing Trust's ship, Tenacious, last month, on the final leg of the race, from Boston to Nova Scotia.

As one of 44 crew members on board, Bradley, with the help of his "buddy" for the trip, Jane Loader, shared in the amazing experience of bringing the ship into Halifax ahead of the rest of the fleet.

Bradley, a pupil at the Burgate School, was born with the debilitating bone condition arthrogryposis, which prevented his bones from growing and strengthening properly.

His school nurse, Mel Hickham, put him forward for the trip, which was sponsored by local charity the Sarah Kinsley Trust for Children.

The 601-nautical-mile journey started badly, when the ship encountered a heavy storm, confining Bradley to his cabin below deck for 24 hours.

"It was nearly a non-starter," said Bradley.

"I wanted to go straight back to dry land."

Bradley's able-bodied buddy Jane said most of the crew went down with seasickness as the 65m-long vessel was thrown about on rough seas.

"I thought then that Bradley would never forgive me for taking him along," she said.

Once the sea calmed, both novices started to make friends and sailing the ship took priority.

As well as taking the helm and keeping night watch, Bradley said the highlight of the voyage was making an assisted mast climb.

The whole crew was treated to a warm welcome and a party atmosphere in Halifax.

Jane said the trip had many magic moments but for her the achievement of others made it special.

"Other peoples' enjoyment gave me my kicks," she said.

Bradley showed he had excellent leadership skills.

He said it was sad to think that it was all over but he was already hoping to sail again with the trust next year around the Caribbean.