about the scheme

YEYS began when the magnificent sail training ship STS Young Endeavour was given to the people of Australia as a Bicentennial gift from the United Kingdom back in 1988.

And what a brilliant present it's proved to be! Since then over 10,000 young Australians aged 16 - 23 have already taken part in voyages all around Australia and some overseas.

We offer around 20 voyages each year in Australian waters, (and sometimes overseas too - we sailed to NZ in Jan 07), on our tallship with a Youth Crew of 24 and 9 specially trained Royal Australian Navy crew. The Young Endeavour voyages depart and arrive from all over the East Coast of Australia and Tasmania including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay, Hamilton Island, Geelong and Burnie. Each year a new program, with new voyages is planned with the next one available 1 August 07.

How do you get on board? Apply for our ballot, (which is like a lottery), held twice a year in Aug/Sept and Jan/Feb - you've got to be in it to get the chance!

The YEYS is run in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy with the head office at Garden Island, Sydney.

Our mission: the YEYS aims to provide young Australians with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience that increases their self awareness, develops their teamwork and leadership skills and creates a strong sense of community responsibility.

Values: The YEYS is committed to uphold the practice of equitable access to its activities.

 - Our programs are conducted with the highest regard for safety.

 - We support each youth participant to achieve his/her goals.

 - We operate as a financially responsible business unit.

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is supported by donation, Commonwealth funding and is operated by the Navy. If you're into facts and figures you can download the 2005/2006 Annual Report.