Navy crew’s expertise shapes Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour II build

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.