Tales of a circumnavigation – from our Youth Crew

The stories of the sea are best told by those the Young Endeavour program exists for – our youth crew!

Hear about the circumnavigation, direct from the youth crew who lived it. 

 

Whitby
17 years old
Voyage 05/25 – Sydney to Brisbane
Coffs Harbour, NSW

 

Young Endeavour for me was not only an 11-day voyage, it was the beginning of a new way of life. Within the space of 11 days, not only was I faced opportunities and challenges to push myself beyond what I knew as limits, I had the opportunity to make lifelong friends with people who had come from all corners of Australia and walks of life. Sharing the Navy ship with my fellow youthies, together with courage we all grew. Having the courage to set sail for 11 days to not only have an adventure of our lifetime, but to grow as individuals, learning skills and lessons that we bring home to share with our communities. My experience on Young Endeavour most certainly was nothing short of extraordinary and most definitely did not end on day 11 when arriving in Brisbane (standing tall on the tallgen). Having received our certificates, Captain Leups left us with one thing – “ Although you walk away from Young Endeavour this afternoon, Young Endeavour will never leave you” and that is most certainly true. Day in and day out, I am proud and appreciate carrying the memories, the experiences, lessons learnt and friendships formed from young Endeavour with me, sharing all that I can with my community.

 

 

Iyla

17 years old

Voyage 10/25 – Darwin to Darwin

Wonthaggi, VIC

 

Embarking aboard the Young Endeavour was the riskiest, most nerve-wracking thing I’d ever done but post-voyage I feel I’m a stronger person.  I’ve been to Darwin before but never to somewhere like King Georges River. It’s like nothing else, bouncing down that river, sun on your back, in one of the RIBs with your team. We sung at the mouth of the river to entertain ourselves but eventually our voices mostly petered away…. Instead we gazed up at the walls of rock either side, looking at patterns and shapes millions of years older than us. Then we climbed to the top, to swim in the rock pools. Some of us were sure-footed goats, others (like me) almost fell back down to the bottom. Boy, was that a workout! But so worth it. I’ll always remember those photos of me and my new friends, wrapped arm in arm at the top of the water falls, sweaty and tired but so happy, satisfied with the fruit of our efforts. Prior to all this…. Preparing for the trip was a months long process… First waiting with bated breath for a spot then alternatively worrying about how it would go and excitedly imagining being a real sailor! My mum joked that I’d fall overboard. It was a lot of firsts for me. First flight alone. The first time I’d been away from my family for so long. First time on-board a ship. Post- voyage the first thing I did was hug my mum and then set up a group chat with all the youthies. I fell asleep by the pool that afternoon in Darwin, absolutely exhausted and covered in bruises from bumping myself around around the ship but very proud of myself. I’d made it!
Months later I’m still in contact with my fellow youthies and working on the goals I set for myself on-board. And of course keeping an eye out for any upcoming returnee voyages.

It’s an experience that I’ll never forget. For anyone else out there considering a voyage or posting onboard, I say… Do it. Life’s short.

 

 

Astrid
21 years old

Voyage V12/25 – Broome to Exmouth

Wodonga, VIC

 

What’s profound about a Young Endeavour voyage is that you can feel the presence of all those
who have ventured before you. At the heart of the ship is the people. You can see it in the cheeky
carvings on the top of bed bunks and in the bend of cards from past intense games. It’s lovely to
think about how the new ship will be born again after construction and have a new history, filled
with many stories for generations to come. Thank you.

 

 

Oliver
18 years old
Voyage 11/25 – Darwin to Broome
Brisbane, QLD

 

We set sail as strangers, untested and unsure. But aboard the Young Endeavour, we found courage, connection, and the sea’s quiet wisdom. From crisis to command, we grew. And though we return to land, a part of us stays behind — a sea-shaped space in our hearts, forever stirred by wind and wave.

 

 

Jett

17 years old

Voyage 07/2 – Gladstone to Cairns

Illawarra, NSW

 

On day two I still didn’t really  know anyone or what I was doing, and I was exhausted from the long day, but there’s a moment when you’re halfway up the mast, the wind in your face, and the sea stretching endlessly below you – that’s when it hits you how incredible this experience is. Young Endeavour didn’t just teach me how to sail, it changed the way I see challenges – now I run toward them, not away.

Standing on the bow of Young Endeavour watching the sun rise over the ocean, I realised adventure isn’t just about the places you go — it’s about the person you become. That voyage gave me direction, courage and lifelong mates. It’s something I’ll never forget.

An additional note from Jett’s Parents: It’s hard for him to sum up just how special that voyage was to him. Some emotions just can’t be converted into words can they? They must be experienced! He truly came home different kid.

 

 

Charlize

16 years old

Voyage 15/25 – Fremantle to Albany

Esperance, WA

 

I was the happiest I have been in a long time on the voyage, although it was challenging I learnt so much about myself and I am so thankful I got that opportunity, I believe every one should do some type of youth development in their lifetime.

 

 

 

MacKenzie

22 years old

Voyage 04/25- Hobart to Sydney

Nairne, SA

 

I crossed the Bass Strait as a first-time sailor and left as a salty sea dog, thanks to the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. We sailed from Hobart to Sydney, battling up to 50-knot winds and five-metre swells, covering 745.5 nautical miles of wild, unforgettable ocean. I learnt to set and furl sails, and seeing her square sails flying in full glory felt like witnessing something sacred, especially alongside my fellow
Youthies. The middle watch was tough, but it was in those quiet hours that real friendships were forged. The staff’s passion, humour, and deep knowledge made us feel part of a true community.  Once the seasickness passed, I found joy in the rhythm of the waves. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of her final journey and this voyage will forever be a defining highlight in-between my Dash.  To any past or future Youthies…Aaaarrrr Ahoy there! I like the cut of your jib, fine lines fore and aft!

 

 

Nicholas

22 years old

V04/25 – Sydney to Brisbane

Camden, NSW

 

For those who are yet to hear me rant and rave about my experience onboard the beautiful Young Endeavour, I guess now is the time. For context earlier this month, I received a letter that I wrote 6 months ago, prior to disembarking YE, along with heartfelt messages from my fellow Youth Crew.
I have been blessed with countless adventurous experiences in my short time on this earth, but few come close that of YE. I will keep my reminiscing relatively short… Voyage 04/25 set sail from Hobart, Tasmania on the 10th of February 2025, with a Youth Crew of 24 and Staff Crew of 12. Across the ensuing 11 days, we battled unfavourable weather (50kn winds, well over 50-degree keel and huge swells), braved crossing the infamous Bass Strait, learned how to safely sail a tall ship, and made plenty of friends and memories along the way. For the majority of the Voyage, I belonged to Red Watch, led by our fearless Staffies Phil (who if you didn’t know, loves his job), and Sam! Under their leadership, eight (who would later become six) total strangers became a well-oiled machine, champions at setting and furling sails, laying aloft and dominating rope races and beach games! Red Watch became my family onboard (along with Blue and White Watch of course), and I truly could not have asked for a better group of people to have shared this experience with. I fear words will never fully encompass this experience, though I’m sure if you asked me in person, I could talk your ear off for hours. Hopefully these extra photos paint a bigger picture of this wonderful adventure!
Finally, I’d like to share some words of wisdom I wrote for myself in my letter home (I’m sure the Staffies are owed some credit here), I feel as though everyone should hear these reminders… “Continue to challenge yourself, and to seek discomfort in a world full of comfort”, “Find the time to touch grass, wonder aimlessly, and stargaze, to explore and discover the beauty of our earth”, “Please remember this isn’t just your first time at life, it’s everyone’s (that includes mum and dad)”.

 

 

Jack
18 years old
Voyage 17/25 – Adelaide to Geelong
Kilcoy, QLD

 

Stepping onto midship thinking this adventure will be a breeze, but the ocean demanded we’d change our tides and learn to sail through the storms head on. Between the sunrise watches and sleepless nights, we found our horizons had stretched far beyond the great blue.

 

 

Samantha

17 years old

Voyage 12/25 – Broome to Exmouth

Redcliffe, WA

 

At times the circumnavigation was a bit tricky with the long stretches at sea without anchorage, but we as a team pushed through together and I learnt life skills and made new friends that will stay with me for life. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again if I had that opportunity.

 

 

Mattesse
24 years old
Voyage 05/25 – Brisbane to Gladstone
Launceston, TAS

 

I can say without a doubt that going on a Young Endeavour voyage was the best decision I’ve ever made. Being pushed outside my comfort zone showed me that it’s truly the best way to learn, and the personal growth I experienced in just 11 days was incredible. Facing my fears without judgment was something really special, and being surrounded by the best watch and watch leader ever made every hard moment a little easier. On top of that, the crew of inspiring Navy professionals made the entire journey unforgettable. Sure, being seasick for a few days isn’t great, but those memories fade quickly compared to everything you gain from the experience. The highlight of my voyage was making it over the transfer point on day nine. It taught me that when you’re surrounded by people who believe in you, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. You learn so much on a voyage and the lessons stay with you for years to come. I’d recommend that everyone aged 16 to 23 apply for a voyage. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Being brave enough to step over the gangway is the first step towards what will be the best 11 days of your life.

 

 

Warwick

24 years old

Voyage 04/25 – Sydney to Brisbane

Glossodia, NSW

 

At the start of the voyage, 24 new, young strangers are greeted aboard by a welcoming crew. During the next 10 days, They forge lifelong connections, experiences and memories with each other. In that time, they have the opportunity to do things they probably never would have done otherwise, be it climbing a swaying mast at sea, cook and do dishes in a kitchen that’s on a 30 degree angle, or command the ship for a day. At the end of the voyage, there are shared tears, embraces, and the sharing of contact details.
These once strangers are now lifelong friends. Some days the things I do remind me of my voyage multiple times that day, always with a smile, and always glad I did it.

 

 

Thomas

17 years old

Voyage 09/25 – Thursday Island to Darwin

Thursday Island

 

It’s an exhilarating experience packed with hardships and Team building with the most exciting way of travelling. Meeting new people and facing fears, as well as working together and helping the team out, not just youthies but also the staff as well, is all this journey is about.

 

 

Aimee

18 years old

Voyage 12/25 – Broome to Exmouth

Beerwah, QLD

 

Going on the Young Endeavour was without a doubt the highlight of my year, the people that I got to make friends with, the places that we got to go and experience, places that most of Australian population will never even hear about, was incredible. Everything that I learnt was so incredible, the confidence that was gained and the ability to strengthen my leadership skills. Definitely a journey I won’t be forgetting anytime soon 🙂

 

 

Jordyn
22 years old
Voyage 13/25 – Exmouth to Fremantle
Morwell, VIC

 

People change people, and the crew I boarded with will always be part of my story. I found friendships and mentors beyond their call of duty, from someone who was nervous about fitting in and learning at a quick pace to flourishing in the conditions laid out before us. For that reason I cannot recommend the Young Endeavour program more highly.

 

 

Amalea
19 years old
Voyage 15/25 – Fremantle to Albany
Perth, WA

A month ago, everything was different, and now that I look back, I realize how much those 11 days on board the Young Endeavour did for me. I left as the same person who boarded, but as a newer version of myself- the version I had always hoped to be. I learned that I can trust myself and others and that I have the strength to get through anything life throws at me. Since coming home, the effects of the challenging yet supportive environment have given me the courage and self-belief to face long-held personal challenges I never imagined overcoming. It has changed the way I see the world and my place in it. This voyage isn’t just about sailing- it’s about finding a part of yourself you might have forgotten was there.

 

 

Zoe

19 years old

Voyage 12/25 – Broome to Exmouth

Castle Hill, NSW

 

I entered this boat with no idea what to expect and that certainly didn’t include facing a fear on the very first night. There’s a picture of me climbing up the mast smiling, but behind that smile was fear, and also adrenaline fuelling determination to conquer the fear as I knew I would regret it if I didn’t climb up. Looking back, our voyage was an enriching experience where I learnt valuable skills and got to see places that you can only access with permission. But on top of that were some difficult moments where those moments made the experience all the more memorable. I was also able to see a large array of animal life and I met new people from all around the country. To the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, thank you for this opportunity and life changing experience.
‘To fear the unknown is to experience the unseen’

 

 

Siena
22 years old
Voyage – Thursday Island to Darwin
Perth, WA

 

As the Young Endeavour sets sail for her final voyage, she carries more than a crew — she carries the spirit of every young Australian who dared to rise to her challenge. This is the final lap, the closing chapter of an extraordinary legacy — a call for the next generation to step into their power, to meet the wild with courage, and to awaken the strength that has always lived within.

“The sea doesn’t shape you — it reveals you.”

And as her sails lower for the last time, her spirit will sail on — in the hearts of those who
found themselves beyond the horizon.

 

 

Lucy

22 years old

Voyage 05/25 – Sydney to Brisbane

Avalon, NSW

 

Best experience of my life even though it was challenging it has made me more confident in my day to day life.

 

 

Zy

Voyage 12/25 – Broome to Exmouth

Coral Bay, WA

 

I may have been seasick, but I was never sick of the sea.

 

 

Annabelle

16 years old

Voyage 11/25 – Darwin to Broome

Eudlo, QLD

 

Before I went on the voyage I was a child but when I stepped off I was a women. I learnt who I was and what I was capable of in those 2 weeks. The experience was life changing and will never be forgotten and to be remembered forever. Thank you so much for a life changing experience.

 

 

Charisse

17 years old

V06/25 – Brisbane to Gladstone

Newcastle, NSW

The moment you step aboard the ship, you feel a bit unsteady. You leave the safety of the shore behind, and that’s where you realise you will change. Leaving behind solid ground gave me the opportunity to delve into my own capacity – seek out my strengths and challenge my “weaknesses”. The Young Endeavour experience lives up to its purpose: to give the chance to achieve something extraordinary.

 

 

The youth crew say it best!  If they’ve convinced you to apply for your own voyage of a lifetime, you can check out upcoming voyage dates here: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/before-you-apply/voyages