2024-25 Applications Now Open

STS Young Endeavour to set sail from November 2024 – February 2025

Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour will deliver on six exciting voyages along the East Coast of Australia this summer. From the golden sands of Newcastle, the stunning sapphire coast or the legendary Bass Strait, this is summer sailing as its absolute best.

Australian youth aged 16-23 will join our professional Royal Navy crew, learning not only how to sail a square-rigged tall ship, but how to lead, support others and work together as a team.

No sailing experience is required, but berths are limited and extremely popular. Young Australians aged 16-23 are invited to to apply now to be eligible for the chance to sail aboard STS Young Endeavour.

First round applications close Wednesday 2nd of October so apply now to be eligible.

2024-25 Voyages:

Voyage 06/24: Sydney to Newcastle, Monday 25 November – Wednesday 4 December
Voyage 07/24: Newcastle to Sydney, Saturday 7 December – Tuesday 17 December
Voyage 01/15: Sydney to Eden, Friday 3 January – Sunday 12 January
Voyage 02/25: Eden to Melbourne, Wednesday 15 January – Friday 24 January
Voyage 03/25: Geelong to Hobart, Monday 27 January – Thursday 6 February
Voyage 04/25: Hobart to Sydney, Monday 10 February – Thursday 20 February

If you have already applied, log in to your dashboard to update your voyage preferences, or visit our Voyages page for information on destinations, dates, fees and eligibility.

Financial assistance is also available for youth aged 16-23 who receive a qualifying Centrelink benefit, or, youth under 18 years who are living with a parent who receives a qualifying Centrelink benefit, such as Supporting Parent Benefit or Disability Support. Financially Assisted Berths are limited, and applicants will be asked to submit supporting information, such as an Income Statement from Centrelink, as proof of your financial circumstances.

Since 1988, more than 14,000 young Australians from across Australia have sailed in STS Young Endeavour, taking part in a unique youth development experience that helps participants develop self-awareness and confidence, and gives them an opportunity to grow their teamwork and leadership skills through sail training and self-development activities.

Visit Australia’s national sail training ship STS Young Endeavour at North Sydney’s Sub Base Platypus, Sunday 24 November, from 1-4pm. Explore the ship, meet the Royal Australian Navy staff crew, and hear from the Young Endeavour Ambassadors about their voyage experience. Since 1988 the ship has welcomed over 14,000 young Australians on board, and sailed more than 500,000 nautical miles. A voyage in Young Endeavour is a challenging adventure at sea for youth aged 16-23 years. It’s a unique opportunity for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills through an internationally recognised youth development program. The event is free! Visitors encouraged to wear enclosed, flat shoes and shorts/pants. Come along and ask the team how you can apply for your own voyage of a lifetime. If you’re a Young Endeavour Ambassador and would like to volunteer to assist, please email mail@youngendeavour.gov.au to confirm.

Navy crew's expertise shapes Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour II Build Construction of the new sail training ship STS Young Endeavour II is making impressive strides at the Birdon Shipyard in Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Recently, Commander (CMDR) Gavin Dawe OAM, RAN –Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Project Manager, and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Matthew Jarvis – STS Young Endeavour Chief Bosun, visited the site to check out progress of the replacement vessel and provide operator insights into development of the masts and safety aloft system. Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG), Australian shipbuilder Birdon and Dutch designer Dykstra Naval Architects, have been working hard to bring the state-of-the-art barquentine sailing vessel to life. The keel laying in July 2023 marked the start of this exciting journey, with construction of the hull and structural framework now underway. CMDR Dawe and CPO Jarvis shared expertise gained during multiple postings to STS Young Endeavour, providing invaluable feedback from an end-user's perspective on some of the key aspects of the design. Their insights help to make the ship more functional and user-friendly. This collaboration – one of many planned visits – demonstrates continued co-operation between Defence and industry stakeholders working together to get the best possible end product. Introduction into service of the larger, more advanced sail training platform will provide incredible opportunities for young Australians for many years to come.

STS Young Endeavour annual maintenance program is well underway in preparation for new voyages! The ship left the dry dock at Sydney’s Garden Island in early August following hull work and anti-foul treatment, steering and propulsion checks, and removal of the entire rigging for inspection. The hull has also been repainted with a fresh coat of Britannia blue, first used for The Royal Yacht Britannia and a link to the maritime heritage shared by Britain and Australia. Both masts, the yards, boom and gaff were removed for refurbishment, and the Royal Australian Navy crew and maintenance team have performed a rigorous inspection of equipment - from the 640 square metres of sails, to inspecting lifeboats, electrical and navigation systems. Later this month the main mast will be stepped back to its rightful place with the original pound coin from 1987, alongside a new 2024 coin. The placing of the coin under the mast is a Tall Ship tradition originating from the Roman and Viking times. STS Young Endeavour’s maintenance and work up program will continue over the coming months, placing the highest priority on the safety and well-being of future youth participants. Keep an eye out for us on Sydney Harbour! Meanwhile, construction of a new ship is underway to replace the current STS Young Endeavour. The new ship will be a three-masted barquentine, with capacity for more youth crew on each voyage and to undertake more voyages each year, meaning more young Australians will be able to access this unique development program. Read more about the new ship build here. Navigation Officer LEUT Trevor Derbyshire preparing to depart the dry dock Royal Australian Navy crew rigorously checking all sails and rigging Removal and refurbishment of the main masts underway The pound coin originally placed under the mast in 1987

THE VOYAGE

Latest Captain’s Log

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Apply for Financial Assistance

FOR GUARDIANS

Youth Safety & Mental Health

FOR ORGANISATIONS

Scholarships for Local Youth

ABOUT US

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

OUR COMMUNITY

Make a Donation

2024-25 Applications Now Open

You might also be interested in

Ready to set sail?

More Information

Donations

Contact Us

1800 020 444

Keep in Touch

1800 020 444