Day 5 – V21/25, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race!

Day Five of V21/25 saw the ship arise to a pink dawn (sailor be warned!) with fair winds and following seas as we sailed down the East Coast of Tasmania. Navigator Jack had placed us fair in the south bound current which gave is incredible speed overnight and placed us ahead of the forecast low pressure system due to cross South Eastern Tasmania sometime after lunch time today.

Vibes were high as we conducted cleaning stations and I enjoyed a good hour long chat with the Youth Crew to reflect on this endeavour, compare and contrast with previous Youth Development Voyages, and explore the nuances of being comprised of a Returnee Crew and of the shorter voyage of 5.5 days. We had some really constructive discussion and it became very clear to me that this crew of young adults (18-26yo) had some fascinating insights and perspectives to share.

As we motorsailed our way south we overtook a number of competitors in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race often giving them a cheer as we passed. We are all mariners on the high seas and this passage is never easy. Our respect goes wholeheartedly out to the sailors who handled their boats two up braving Neptunes wrath!

The calmer conditions gave us an opportunity to deep clean the ship and start packing down our gear in preparation for tomorrows farewell. Climbers harbour furled square sails and volunteers tidied up the deck. We celebrated the voyage with a slideshow and an impromptu 3 way chat experience as we realised the crew was a little bit disconnected and some of hadnt had the chance to meet others. All in all a resounding success. Then it was into anchor watches overnight as we readied for our arrival in Hobart at 1000L tomorrow.

See you on the wharf!

Captain Leups Out +

Latitude/Longitude:

42 54.107S / 147 20.730E

Conditions:

Weather: Overcast Wind: 5kn E Temp: 22C

AUTHOR: Andrew Leupen

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V20/25

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Day 4 – V21/25, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race!

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V20/25

28 December 2025

Day 3 – V21/25, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race!

Day Three of Voyage 21/25 sees STS Young Endeavour following the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race fleet down the coast. The last two days have tested the mettle of our Youth Crew (and the Staff Crew!) as we have tacked our way South into some strong winds and seas. We've waved as retiring racing yachts have turned to return to Sydney - they really did brave some harsh conditions in much smaller vessels. Despite a few green gills the crew have all resurfaced today with the winds backing out of the south and bringing a refreshing but light 5-10kn Easterly Wind. This has taken the size out of the seas and made the ride much more comfortable. We still have a long way to run to round Tasman Island though and we plan on capitalising on the predicted North Easterlies over the next 24 hours to cover some miles. Our beautiful tall ship much prefers a down-wind sail than beating to windward and we are all looking forward to it too! Chefo Steve, AKA Big Sauce, has kept us all fed in rough conditions and tonight we were treated with some chicken satay and beef chow mein. Just what we need before rolling into watches overnight and continuing our passage. Youth Crew jumped online on their phones this afternoon with a short window of reception whilst we passed the township of Eden on the NSW South Coast. There is some adverse weather coming on the 30th and we are watching it closely to assess its impact to our arrival time which is currently programmed for the 1000 on the 31st at the UTAS Wharf in Hobart. I'll provide another update tomorrow night which will confirm our arrival. Let's just say we are all incredibly motivated to push through the weather and arrive as planned to reunite with friends and families and to celebrate New Years Eve in Hobart to round out a hugely successful 2025. We won't do that though it the conditions are looking unsafe or marginal. Watch this space tomorrow! We're going to settle into a comfortable run into Bass Straight tonight which is very refreshing after the last two nights at sea! Captain Leups Out +

V21/25

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Day 2 – V21/25, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race!

Ahoy! We find ourselves beating to windward on Day Two of V21/25 on our run from Sydney to Hobart. We are following the SHYR fleet down the coast and finding it rough going in southerly winds and seas. There are a few green gills onboard but have no fear our salty sea dogs will find their sea legs in no time. Just need to purge a few land demons along the way. The sun has been shining, and our day has been filled with tacks and lots of chat about previous voyages and subsequent adventures. It's amazing to hear of all the amazing things our Crew have done since they were onboard as Youthies for their respective Voyages of Self Discovery and Development. Many of the crew have sailed with us during 2025 on one of our previous 20 Voyages this year. Some have told stories of getting home, jumping on the Defence Force Recruiting website and applying to join the Navy. Citing influential crew members as inspiration for this change in tack in their life journey. Equally as inspiring is hearing of wild adventures, holidays and successful years at university and in securing new jobs. A common theme is that their time on Young Endeavour has demonstrated that they can dare to dream and they can have confidence that they will prevail. This is all heart warming discussion for our crew who have sacrificed so much this year to deliver life changing experiences week in and week out. We are bunkered down for another busy evening making our way South! Captain Leups Out + p.s Happy Birthday Ashton! - Ebony

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Day 5 – V21/25, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race!

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