Since 1988 over 8,500 young Australians have experienced the challenge and thrill of a voyage on the Young Endeavour. For many the experience has been life changing. Here’s some personal stories from former Youth Crew to give you an idea what to expect on a Young Endeavour adventure under sail:
Aaron Beck v9/04
The time I spent on board the Young Endeavour, sailing from Bundaberg - Cairns was one of the most enjoyable things I have done in my 19 years. With the support and encouragement of the Royal Australian Navy staff crew, the journey challenged us 24 youth crew members to step outside our comfort zones and do things we didn't think possible. I had an absolutely awesome time on board and learnt key life skills in leadership, teamwork and communication.
Getting sea legs
The trip was not without its challenges but everyone tackled these with a great deal of enthusiasm. Challenges included fitting in with a group of young people from all over Australia, from a great mix of ages and life experiences, to finding your sea legs. On the first day virtually everyone was sea sick. Despite these initial challenges it was amazing how quickly friendships developed and everyone began to work together as a team.
Doing everything together with a new group of friends each day was unreal. Each watch did rounds of the ship, took watch, climbed out along the top gallant yard, had rope races, dolphin watching and 'happy hour' (cleaning!). Two afternoon stops at Scawfell and Dunk Islands gave us the opportunity to rest our sea legs, as the whole group enjoyed games, water sports and the chance to relax. The theatre night on our last night on board held great memories for me as each watch and the staff presented a hilarious take on an aspect of our voyage.
Command Day
The best part of the voyage for me was when the Youth Crew took command of the ship for 24 hours sailing from Dunk Island to Cairns. We took the role of staff crew and each was allocated jobs such as Captain, Navigoator, 2nd Officer, Watch Leader and Cooks. I was Chef with Ollie and Ginger and felt a great sense of satisfaction being able to help out with the youth crew preparing meals. I felt like I contributed and was an essential part of the group. The positive feedback and support I received from my peers boosted my self confidence and brought the group closer together.
Your turn to get on board
I strongly recommend applying for this amazing adventure to everyone. It prepares you for more than taking control of a ship and brings out the best aspects of your that you will need during your life. I often look back on my time on the Young Endeaavour, going through my photos, diary or catching up with friends who were on my voyage and think how lucky I have been to have such a wonderful experience.
Take this opportunity if it arises because it is an amazing time that you will never forget.
Annabelle King
Going on the Young Endeavour was an amazing experience. Every day was a new and exciting challenge. Even with a sailing background, I learnt a lot about sailing a tall ship – the knots, the ropes and of course the jargon. I remember the exhilaration of climbing aloft in Bass Strait, sunrise out at sea, the huge sense of achievement following Command Day, and of course the Young Endeavour staff and crew. I feel lucky to have been able to spend ten days with such enthusiastic, positive people. Without a doubt being on the Young Endeavour was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life
Voyage of a Lifetime – Laura Aujard
We set off from Sydney harbour on the 23 May aboard our ship, the tallship Young Endeavour. Twenty four boys and girls from all over Australia and nine Naval crew officers, sailing the high seas for 10 days up to our destination, Brisbane. The experience was 'incredibly awesome'. There were three watch groups operating the ship in shifts 24hrs a day.
We learnt about navigation, rope tying, setting sails, tying the gaskets on the yards and how to sail a 44m square-rigger vessel that really was an experience in itself. Along the way we saw big turtles, whales and dolphins that swam beside the ship. Seasickness was a problem for most aboard but I managed. All the girls bunked together with the boys in their own bunker room. There were only ever thoughts of being able to have some of your own personal space because on the ship you were constantly working and interacting with others.
The voyage came to its final destination, Brisbane on 2 June 2005, where we all departed and went back home. It was a sad departure because we had lived with 23 other awesome young people for 10 days and we got to know each other so well. It is amazing how in the beginning we did not know anyone but over the voyage, we formed friendships that felt like we had known each other forever. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget and I will hold onto everything I learnt on the voyage. I feel that any young person who takes the adventure of the Young Endeavour would gain so many useful skills, not just of sailing a big ship but also about teamwork and leadership. In addition to the skills learnt on the ship you end up coming away with new extremely cool friends from all over the country. It is easy for me to say this because I have experienced it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking into the future I can see every single thing I learnt on the Voyage benefiting me in some way. It will definitely enable me to be a stronger leader. I love the whole idea of teamwork and the voyage really tested me on some hidden skills I didn't think I had.