Are you considering sailing in Young Endeavour, but want the inside scoop on what it’s really like?
On this page you’ll find the stories of five young Australians who sailed together in 2010. They faced real challenges sailing Young Endeavour along the Australian coast – learning about themselves, figuring out what makes a good leader and discovering how to live and work with people from all walks of life.
We interviewed them and asked them to share their experiences with you.
Daniel – Canberra, ACT
Daniel grew up in Dubbo and moved to Canberra in 2008. He studied Community Education, an ongoing passion, and is currently working full time as a Student Aspiration Agent, motivating students to enter higher education. He is also the drummer for indie band The Trivs, featuring in JJJ Unearthed.
Daniel joined Young Endeavour on the spur of the moment, and says it was very, very worth it.
"Going on the Young Endeavour was the best 10 days of my life! I learnt so much about myself, along with making great mates with everyone on board. I've been able to transfer the motivation and confidence I gained to my everyday life, and achieve more than I ever thought possible! Do it if you get the chance! You won't regret it."
Gabby – Orange, NSW
Gabby grew up in outback NSW. Helping raise cattle on the family’s 50 acre farm, she is used to wide open spaces, but certainly not the open ocean. She is currently doing her Year 12 HSC, and her favourite subject is Visual Arts. She plays netball, touch footie and soccer, and also water skis and does gymnastics.
Gabby sailed in Young Endeavour through the Community Scholarship program, selected by her local RSL as a prize for being Army Cadet of the Year.
“Young Endeavour is just one of those things that teach you how to respond to new experiences, surprises, and people as well.”
Travis – Emu Park, QLD
Travis completed his Bachelor of Theatre in 2007, before going on to do a plumbing apprenticeship. He currently works for his family’s plumbing business. He also spends time participating in regional musicals and students’ films, writes scripts, and has just starred in his first ever feature film. A mad fan of biking and hiking, he enjoys just getting out and experiencing what life has to offer.
Travis applied to sail in Young Endeavour to refocus and reprioritise, and says his voyage was one of the hardest and one of the best experiences he has ever had.
“It’s not just about hoisting the sheet or furling something away…It showed me how much I can do, how much one person can do and how much everyone working together can do. It’s been a great experience.”
Catherine – Sydney, NSW
Catherine is a third-year physio student at the University of Sydney. She has travelled to Europe, Asia, Canada and the US, and has recently spent two months volunteering the India and Nepal at the end of the year. Catherine enjoys working with patients, and hopes to use her skills to help refugees.
Catherine joined Young Endeavour to be challenged, and she says it showed her just how far she can push herself.
“The ten days on the Young Endeavour was amazingly eye-opening. I realised my potential and learnt to overcome both mental and physical barriers. It was fun working as a team to drive and care for a ship and make new friends at the same time. I left the ship with new friends and a new outlook on life.”
Guy – Sydney, NSW
Guy is currently completing his HSC at a public school in Sydney, and hopes to study a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of New South Wales. A fitness fanatic, Guy spends his spare time playing sport with friends – he has played soccer for 11 years, and recently won the grand final with his school’s Rugby team.
He was awarded a voyage in Young Endeavour by a local law firm in the Admiral 100 Club, and went into the experience not knowing what to expect.
“My time aboard the Young Endeavour is an experience I will never forget. The characters you meet will remain great friends and the challenges you face will push you to new limits.”