Login
Ambassador Story
25 February 2017
Ambassador Speech
“Do you ever get the urge to get out of your comfort zone, step out of the normal, and expose yourself to a completely new and challenging situation? Nowadays there are so many opportunities for the youth of Australia, and I’m here to tell you about just one of them. A few months ago I took a chance and applied for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, which I have to say was one of the best decisions I have made, to this day. The Young Endeavour is a tall ship gifted by Britain for the youth of Australia, which does youth development voyages all around australia, and even the world. I applied back in March, and was over the moon when I found out I was selected for a voyage from Cairns to Gove. I got on the ship in August, and I quickly became aware that I was the youngest of the 19 youth crew. I had to say goodbye to my friends and family for 2 weeks without any form of communication for a strange bed with strange people I have never met before.
On my first day, I achieved climbing up to the topgallant yard which is the highest horizontal mast where you set the sails. Every new day I was challenged in building teamwork and leadership, whilst learning how to set sails, navigate, operate the helm and complete night watches. I faced many challenges like sleep deprivation, seasickness and overcoming my fears of the heights, but I knew not to let it take over my experience. I made life long friendships, forged by lack of sleep, extremely close proximity and challenging team building activities, all of which I still talk to regularly.
On the 10th day of the voyage, the staff members hand the ship over to the youth crew completely for 24 hours, allowing us to use everything we had learnt in the last 9 days and put it into practice. I was voted in by my fellow youthies to be the Second in Command; the Sail Master, which was an amazing achievement for me. I worked closely with the youth crew captain, navigator, watch officer and the rest of the crew to get the ship to its destination in one piece. It was extremely stressful and so challenging, but I learnt so much about leadership and how to be a part of a team whilst still being a leader.
I will never forget the experiences, lessons, places and friendships that I made through this Youth program, and I recommend it to every single one of you. You are eligible to apply when you are 16, and the only requirements are you need to be physically and medically fit, and able to swim 50 meters. 2017 voyages will take you to the Bass Strait, see parts of Tasmania or see the Sapphire Coast off of New South Wales. Sail away from the safe harbour!
Katya Bandow; Young Endeavour Ambassador”
Katya Bandow
You might also be interested in
Ambassador Story
29 October 2025
Alumni selected for our Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Crew
STS Young Endeavour will embark 24 alumni crew and set sail with the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race fleet.
It's considered one of the world's most challenging and prestigious yacht races, and this year, STS Young Endeavour, and 24 youth crew alumni will join the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race fleet as the event flagship.
This will be the brigantine’s last voyage for 2025, arriving in Hobart, Tasmania on 31 December, 2025. While in Hobart, the ship will also host a free open day on Friday 2 January - for details visit https://youngendeavour.gov.au/sts-young-endeavour-open-day-hobart-2026
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race provides a rare opportunity for alumni to step back on board for another adventure in Young Endeavour. Congratulations to those alumni who have been selected to join the crew, and thank you to all the alumni who applied. With hundreds of applications received for only 24 available berths, it was an incredibly competitive ballot.
Young Endeavour is currently in scheduled maintenance, and will return to sea in November. The crew will continue to post a daily Captain’s Log for upcoming voyages and also during the five day Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Please follow us along the journey!
Congratulations and thank you again to all of our Young Endeavour Youth Scheme alumni. Stay tuned to your emails for future opportunities whether they be alumni voyages, open days or the ship's arrival in your hometown!
Looking to apply for your very own voyage?
https://youngendeavour.gov.au/before-you-apply/voyages
Ambassador Story
27 October 2025
Young Endeavour envoy says YEYS to adventure
From Shell Harbour, NSW, to the open seas aboard Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour, Ellie Eather is proving that leadership, courage and growth begin with saying ‘yes’ to adventure.
Ellie was recently noted in State Parliament as the first young woman in more than 20 years to represent the Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show in the NSW Young Woman of the Year competition.
While she now stands out as a confident leader and passionate advocate, part of her journey began with a bold decision to undertake the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme (YEYS) voyage.
It all unfolded through a chance meeting with a member of the Royal Australian Navy.
“There was something about the way she described the voyage – it just clicked with me,” Ellie said.
“That night I went home, filled out the application, and submitted it.”
Soon after, Ellie was selected to embark on a voyage. Her Young Endeavour experience was an 11-day challenge – complete with early morning watches, a 30-metre mast climb and nautical lessons.
“Climbing the foremast was something I never imagined I’d do, but it became one of the most powerful parts of the journey,” Ellie said.
“It pushed me beyond fear and into trust – trust in myself, in the ship and in my team.”
Overcoming challenges was often part of the adventure, but for Ellie, it was what came after those challenges that created her most unforgettable memory.
“One of the most memorable moments of the voyage was when my watch won the collective of daily challenges and earned the honour of climbing the topgallant sails as we sailed into Sydney Harbour, standing high above the deck with the wind on our faces and our families waiting on the shore was an unforgettable experience,” she said.
“That final climb was more than just a view, it was a reminder of how far I’d come.
“Sharing that moment with my watch, after everything we had worked through together, made it even more meaningful – it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork and personal growth.”
'It’s about learning leadership, teamwork, friendships and resilience in a really meaningful way.'
As a university student of marine science, Ellie said the voyage didn’t just teach her sailing skills – it reshaped her sense of purpose and potential.
“Resilience was a skill I developed most during the voyage,” Ellie said.
“There were times when things felt tough; whether it was pushing through exhaustion, overcoming fear while climbing, or adjusting to life in such a challenging and unfamiliar environment.
“But through each of those moments I learnt that I could keep going even when I felt like giving up.
“That experience has changed the way I face challenges in my everyday life; now, when things feel difficult, I remind myself of what I overcame, and it gives me strength to keep going.”
Other than resilience, Ellie noted the importance of reliability and ‘showing up’ were key factors for overcoming adversity.
“Being part of a team where everyone relied on each other taught me that resilience isn’t just about inner strength, but about being someone others can count on too, something I’ve carried with me every day since,” Ellie said.
Since disembarking, Ellie has continued to make waves as a proud ambassador for the YEYS, encouraging other young Australians to step out of their comfort zones.
“The message I want to share with young Australians is that the scheme is a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, build confidence and develop skills that will stay with you for life,” she said.
“It’s so much more than just sailing; it’s about learning leadership, teamwork, friendships and resilience in a really meaningful way. It pushes you outside your comfort zone, but also shows you how capable you really are.”
Ellie explained that she wanted young people from all over the country to understand that this program could help them to discover their strengths, connect with others and create long-lasting memories and friendships.
“It’s the perfect chance to grow, not just as a sailor, but as a person, and that growth can positively shape your future, no matter what path you choose.”
'My goal is to make marine science relevant, accessible, and to encourage young people to take part in something bigger than themselves.'
As an ambassador for YEYS, Ellie also visits schools and attends community events, sharing her story and highlighting the unique value of the youth development program.
“In my role as a community ambassador, I share my Young Endeavour experience with my peers, sparking conversations about what the program involves and the personal growth it fosters. I aim to give a clear picture of the challenges and rewards, helping others to see how transformative it can be,” Ellie said.
“Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the opportunity to promote Young Endeavour on much larger platforms speaking onstage at a ‘Zone’ dinner with over 200 attendees, onstage at the ‘AgShow’ Sponsors’ dinner and during the ‘Young Woman of the Year’ winner presentations.
“These moments allow me to highlight the program’s unique blend of adventure, leadership and teamwork to the wider audience.”
Looking forward, Ellie planned to build on her passion for leadership and the ocean through continued education, community service, and perhaps even a future at sea.
“I’m currently developing ideas to run a workshop during school holidays that can blend marine science with environmental responsibility through my local council,” she said.
“My goal is to make marine science relevant, accessible, and to encourage young people to take part in something bigger than themselves,” she said.
Ellie’s story is a reminder that courage often begins with a small decision – to say ‘yes’, climb the rigging and sail into the unknown.
Young Australians aged 16-23 can follow in Ellie’s footsteps and apply for their own adventure. Applications are now open for voyages throughout 2026, and youth can apply through the Young Endeavour website: Expand your horizons | Youth Sailing Voyages– STS Young Endeavour
Ambassador Story
26 October 2025
Siblings share sailing sensation
Not every sister and brother get to say they’ve sailed Australia’s coast on board national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour – but for Elsie and Joey, completing separate voyages became a shared milestone and cherished bond.
Elsie, now 26, joined Young Endeavour in 2019 for Voyage 02/19 from Melbourne to Sydney.
Her younger brother Joey, 23, followed in her footsteps earlier this year on Voyage 08/25 from Cairns to Thursday Island.
Originally from Brisbane, the siblings said the experience shaped them in powerful, yet different ways.
“I first heard about the program when it came up on my Facebook feed,” Elsie said.
“Our dad is really into sailing, so I flagged it with him and he said, ‘Go for it’.”
Joey recalled hearing about his sister’s voyage and welcoming her into Sydney Harbour.
“I saw how much she enjoyed it and my parents suggested I give it a go too,” he said.
“I love the ocean, and although I’m definitely not great at sailing, I decided to try.”
Elsie was thrilled when she heard Joey had been accepted.
“He had more sailing experience than me, so I knew he’d thrive,” she said.
“I actually reminded Mum and Dad that he was nearing the age limit, and his name went into the ballot the very next day.”
And thrive he did.
When Elsie and their mum boarded the ship on Thursday Island to welcome him home, the change was clear.
“Mum and I looked at each other and agreed – he had taken to it like a duck to water. You couldn’t wipe the grin off his face,” Elise said.
'Grab every opportunity with both hands. You don’t get another turn. This program is so special.'
Joey said what stood out for him was the rapid bond formed with his fellow crew and the trust built during the program.
“The camaraderie you manage to build in 10 days is incredible,” he said.
“The Navy staff were amazing. Chris helped coach us through rope races. I also loved the surprise of the 24-hour command day.
“I had no idea it was coming, but absolutely loved stepping up and solving problems as a team.”
Elsie, who sailed into Sydney Harbour, said that moment was unforgettable.
“My family were on a boat nearby and could see me sailing in. It was really special for all of us,” she said.
Though their voyages were different, both agreed on the lasting impact.
“My trip was a cruise compared to Elsie’s – more of a bumpy road – but the effect it had on both of us was the same," Joey said. "We both loved it."
Elsie said Joey returned with a new sense of maturity.
“He looked like a leader, someone the others looked up to,” she said.
As for lessons learnt, Elsie saw the value of teamwork in her daily work in finance.
“Success doesn’t come from individual effort but from a group working together, trusting and supporting each other,” she said.
Joey, meanwhile, discovered a passion for teaching.
“I’ve never seen myself as a coach, but I really enjoyed helping others learn,” he said.
Their advice for future voyage applicants?
“Grab every opportunity with both hands. You don’t get another turn. This program is so special,” Elise said.
Joey said: “Don’t be scared. Do everything. It’s the trip of a lifetime. I just wish we had more ships like it.”
Apply now to join a future voyage. Visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au
