Login
/ The Voyage / The Crew
STS Young Endeavour is crewed by an amazing team of Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors, who are specially trained to sail a square-rigged tall ship and deliver our youth development program.
Our staff crew ensure the highest standards of safety and care and will teach you everything you need to know to sail the ship.
Staff Crew Happy Snaps
- COMMANDING OFFICER
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Leupen ‘Captain Leups’
LCDR Andrew Leupen joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2012 and during his training served in HMA Ships Newcastle, Darwin, Brunei and Warramunga. Upon gaining his Bridge Warfare Certificate in 2014 he served as a bridge watch keeping officer in HMAS Choules. LCDR Leupen specialised in Navigation in 2019 and undertook Principal Warfare Officers Course in 2021.
His sea service includes Navigating Officer of HMA Ships Diamantina, Warramunga, Stuart, Success, Choules and Canberra. During this period his operational deployments included OPERATION RESOLUTE, OPERATION RENDER SAFE, three Regional Presence Deployments and two RIMPAC exercises. Following his period at sea he was posted to Sea Training Group as the Fleet Navigation Officer and was responsible for ensuring the proper and safe navigation standards of the fleet.
LCDR Leupen joined the RAN as a mature age entry having had a previous career in the Finance Sector. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Graduate Diploma of Asian Studies (Japanese). An avid adventurer and explorer if he is not at sea with the Navy then he is planning overland and oversea expeditions with his wife and two boys.
James, also known as ‘Tomo’, hails from the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Although he loves his bushland home, he’s incredibly excited for many adventures on the high seas.Joining the Australian Defence Force in 2015, he’s served in many different ships before STS Young Endeavour and has been very lucky visiting many countries around the world.
When not in Young Endeavour, Tomo loves bushwalking, riding his motorbike, playing music and hanging out with his family and friends.
Trevor was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to Tasmania, Australia with his parents and sister in 2007. He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2016, attended the Australian Defence Force Academy, and has since enjoyed several sea postings in HMA Ships Adelaide, Launceston Choules. Trevor’s role on board Young Endeavour is one of the Navigating Officers where he enjoys teaching the youth of Australia the art of navigation.
Trevor lives with his wife and dog in Sydney. He loves all things sport, especially AFL and Cricket, and can usually be found on one of Sydney’s beaches or exploring the outdoors with his family. Trevor enjoys the unique work environment of Young Endeavour and hopes to inspire youth crew to seek adventure and challenges
Sebastian, better known as ‘Seb’, was born and raised in North Queensland, joining the Navy in 2018.
Before joining Young Endeavour, he has served on all types of ships, mostly in Western Australia.
Seb looks forward to the adventure that awaits onboard, as well as helping all Youth Crew learn and challenge themselves whilst on voyage.
Karsen was born in Newport Beach, California and moved to Sydney with her family in 2007. In 2019, she joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer and has had several sea postings in HMA Ships Adelaide, Launceston, Warramunga and Stuart. Outside of work, she loves pilates, road-tripping, walking her dog and having dinner with friends. Karsen enjoys the ever-changing, unique environment offered by Young Endeavour and always looks forward to meeting the wide range of people that come on board and learning from them.
Matty grew up in Brisbane and a love for the coastline and ocean soon developed. Participating in Nippers from a young age and taking any opportunity to be on the water, it become evident that his attachment to the sea would steer his career path.
One evening watching television at home when he was 16, there was a documentary on STS Young Endeavour. It wasn’t long until he signed up and was on board rising to the experience, the adrenalin and feeling of the timber deck on the soles of his feet.
He decided then and there that Royal Australian Navy was his destiny and couldn’t start soon enough. On completing his final year at secondary school in 1995 he enlisted as a Boatswains Mate (BM), and has served in HMAS Perth, Cessnock, Geralton, Newcastle, Maryborough, Glenelg, Pirie, Bathurst and Adelaide.
He has been fortunate enough to previously receive posting to Defence Force Recruiting in Brisbane, where his wife Symone and two boys, Hugo and Felix reside. He is grateful for the opportunity to give back to where it all started, with a posting to Young Endeavour in 2011 and now again in 2022. Working alongside his comrades and the youth of Australia is one of the most rewarding jobs he has participated in.
Chris has recently joined the Young Endeavour crew. Bio coming soon!
Ash grew up in Goulburn NSW, she joined the Navy in 2010 as a Maritime Logistic Chef. In her 12 years of service she has worked on a variety of different ships and deployed on numerous operations and exercises around the world. Her time in the Navy has allowed her to pursue her dreams of travel and exposure her to new places, cultures, people and cuisines.
Ash joined STS Young Endeavour in January 2022 and is most excited to learn new skills, work with the youth of Australia and explore the coastal waters a little closer to home.
When Ash is not cooking for the Young Endeavour crew, you will find her utilising her skills as a pastry chef, baking cakes and desserts for her friends and family.
Steven grew up in Canberra A.C.T and after finishing school he worked as an apprentice chef for 4 years. During these years, he worked in several kitchens around the Canberra area. Through this experience, Steven gained a Cert III in Hospitality Operations and became a qualified chef! Steven worked his way up to head chef in the following 10 years. He said he enjoyed his time in hospitality but needed a change.
Steven’s father who served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) noticed he wanted to travel and was keen to expand his skills, so he suggested looking at the Navy jobs on offer.
Subsequently, Steven enlisted in 2020 and served on HMAS Brisbane before joining STS Young Endeavour!
Steven has a lovely wife who he has been together with for 16 years. He also has a four-legged son named Oscar. Oscar is a fluffy, brown cocker-spaniel doggo who loves food (naturally). Steve spends his downtime playing guitar and loves all types of music. To keep fit, Steve plays basketball and trains at boxing – gotta’ work off all the yummy food.
On his days off, you can catch Steven sitting at a café with a cappuccino in hand, an eggs-benny on a plate, and his wife and puppy at his side.
Steven said his favourite things about STS Young Endeavour include watching the youth work together, seeing how they overcome their fears, and seeing them make new life-long friends. Steve said he looks forward to showcasing his cooking skills while on-board Young Endeavour!
Charlotte was born and raised in Canberra. After her parents moved to the US for work she attended boarding school, which set her up nicely to join the Royal Australian Navy after finishing high school.
Charlotte joined as a Navy Gap Year Sailor in 2017, completing basic training and working as a general duties sailor in Cairns before joining the Navy permanently as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2018. She has served on a variety of ships, her favourite being sailing to Japan, Singapore and the Philippines aboard HMAS Hobart.
In her spare time Charlotte enjoys playing video games, reading and playing her (parents) puppy dog. She is also the local Swiftie onboard, and yes, she can make friendship bracelets.
Daniel ‘Dan’ Churchyard joined the Navy in 1999 as a Marine Technician. In his 25 years of service he has worked within the auxiliary fleet and deployed on numerous operations and exercises around the world, including pacific island humanitarian support. His time in Navy has allowed him to travel the world, where he experienced many new cultures and cuisines.
As technical manager, Dan is the first point of contact regarding all things engineering. When not onboard as Technical Manager or ‘Charge’, Dan enjoys 3D printing and supporting his local Veteran community through his involvement within his RSL and Naval Association membership.
As the newest member of the Young Endeavour crew he is looking forward to all the new experiences that he will encounter.
Simon was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria (Woiwurrang Country) along with his three brothers. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two boys. When not sailing Young Endeavour, Simon enjoys spending time skiing during the winter months, playing board games with his sons, reading books or playing video games.
Simon joined the Navy in 2007 as a Marine Technician and joined his first ship in 2008. He has spent the majority of his career serving on frigates and destroyers, and has deployed overseas many times and sailed all around the world. Simon is looking forward to spending time closer to home and exploring more of the ‘less travelled’ areas of Australia’s beautiful coastline.
TJ grew up around Morisset NSW, where he started sailing with his father when he was only three months old. From those early days a passion for sailing and being on the ocean has continued to grow.
In 2011 TJ enlisted in the Navy as a Marine Technician, and has spent most of his career travelling the world aboard Anzac Class Frigates. TJ has planned to join the Young Endeavour crew and have the opportunity to pass on the same life lessons and love for the ocean that he has gained through sailing.
TJ thinks the best part of working in Young Endeavour is the excitement of seeing and exploring new parts of Australia’s beautiful coastline and helping to encourage confidence, teamwork and self-drive in the youth of Australia. TJ is grateful for the love and support he receives from his partner Bronte and their many pets at home in Sydney.
Christine was born and raised in Zimbabwe, immigrating to Toowoomba QLD with her family in 2006.
In 2017 she joined the Navy as a Maritime Personnel Operator with the hopes that it would provide both adventure and travel. In her short career, she has done two overseas deployments, visiting five countries with HMAS Hobart and whilst at RANC, HMAS Creswell, she saw over 1,000 new officers through their initial training.
Christine enjoys camping and exploring new parts of the Australian coastline with her partner, Chris, and his two daughters. She loves to help the girls discover the world around them, feed their curiosity, go with the flow and make the most of opportunities that come their way – she hopes to impart that to the youth crew whilst on board Young Endeavour.
Sara grew up in Campbelltown, NSW (Dharawal Country) with her two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Some of Sara’s fondest memories growing up are attending different types of camps throughout the year. The camps provided an opportunity for her and the people around her to grow and discover parts of themselves that they would not find in their day-to-day lives. Sara hopes to provide the same opportunities of growth to every Youth Crew member that conducts a voyage onboard Young Endeavour.
Seeking travel and a dynamic and active workplace, Sara joined the Navy in 2018 as a Communications and Information Systems Sailor. A major milestone in her career thus far has been her three-year posting as Commissioning Crew of HMAS Supply, and conducting two overseas deployments during that time.
Sara’s favourite thing about going to sea is watching the sunrises and sunsets from the best seat in the world. In her spare time, she enjoys bouldering, playing chess, and catching up with friends and family.
Bec grew up in Paynesville, Victoria with her parents and three siblings. As a young adult Bec enjoyed all things outdoors, influencing her decision to work as a camp leader for a year on completion of Year 12 studies. Teaching Year 6’s and 10’s to sail, kayak and camp, she discovered her passion to lead and teach.
With hopes to gain new experiences, meet like-minded people and travel, Bec joined the Navy as a Hydrographic Systems Operator in 2018. Bec has spent most of her Naval career at sea, however the opportunity to work in the smallest school in Tonga in 2022 is one of her greatest career highlights.
A posting to Young Endeavour has always been a career goal for Bec. She is excited to meet many youth crew, challenge herself and explore all that Young Endeavour has to offer.
Reserve Staff Crew
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, was born in the United Kingdom. However, he really doesn’t like cold weather so he moved to sunny Australia when he was young, settling in Cairns.
He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2014 and has been fortunate enough to serve in a wide range of ships before joining STS Young Endeavour.
In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorbike, hiking, camping and spending time with his friends.
His favourite part about Young Endeavour is meeting the diverse range of people that come on voyages and learning about different walks of life.
Captain Mike transferred to the Navy Reserve following decades of service in the Royal Australian Navy. He continues to return to the ship as relief voyage Captain to ensure Captain Libby has time at home during the voyage program.
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, was born in the United Kingdom. However, he really doesn’t like cold weather so he moved to sunny Australia when he was young, settling in Cairns.
He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2014 and has been fortunate enough to serve in a wide range of ships before joining STS Young Endeavour.
In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorbike, hiking, camping and spending time with his friends.
His favourite part about Young Endeavour is meeting the diverse range of people that come on voyages and learning about different walks of life.
James, also known as ‘Tomo’, hails from the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Although he loves his bushland home, he’s incredibly excited for many adventures on the high seas.Joining the Australian Defence Force in 2015, he’s served in many different ships before STS Young Endeavour and has been very lucky visiting many countries around the world.
When not on Young Endeavour, Tomo loves bushwalking, riding his motorbike, playing music and hanging out with his family and friends.
Matt has recently joined the crew. Bio coming soon!
–
Karsen was born in Newport Beach, California and moved to Sydney with her family in 2007. In 2019, she joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer and has had several sea postings in HMA Ships Adelaide, Launceston, Warramunga and Stuart.
Outside of work, she loves pilates, road-tripping, walking her dog and having dinner with friends. Karsen enjoys the ever-changing, unique environment offered by Young Endeavour and always looks forward to meeting the wide range of people that come on board and learning from them.
Matty grew up in Brisbane and a love for the coastline and ocean soon developed. Participating in Nippers from a young age and taking any opportunity to be on the water, it become evident that his attachment to the sea would steer his career path.
One evening watching television at home when he was 16, there was a documentary on STS Young Endeavour. It wasn’t long until he signed up and was on board rising to the experience, the adrenalin and feeling of the timber deck on the soles of his feet.
He decided then and there that Royal Australian Navy was his destiny and couldn’t start soon enough. On completing his final year at secondary school in 1995 he enlisted as a Boatswains Mate (BM), and has served in HMAS Perth, Cessnock, Geralton, Newcastle, Maryborough, Glenelg, Pirie, Bathurst and Adelaide.He has been fortunate enough to previously receive posting to Defence Force Recruiting in Brisbane, where his wife Symone and two boys, Hugo and Felix reside.
He is grateful for the opportunity to give back to where it all started, with a posting to Young Endeavour in 2011 and now again in 2022. Working alongside his comrades and the youth of Australia is one of the most rewarding jobs he has participated in.
Chris has recently joined the Young Endeavour crew. Bio coming soon!
Alex has recently joined the Young Endeavour crew. Bio coming soon!
Steven grew up in Canberra A.C.T and after finishing school he worked as an apprentice chef for 4 years. During these years, he worked in several kitchens around the Canberra area. Through this experience, Steven gained a Cert III in Hospitality Operations and became a qualified chef! Steven worked his way up to head chef in the following 10 years. He said he enjoyed his time in hospitality but needed a change.
Steven’s father who served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) noticed he wanted to travel and was keen to expand his skills, so he suggested looking at the Navy jobs on offer.
Subsequently, Steven enlisted in 2020 and served on HMAS Brisbane before joining STS Young Endeavour!
Steven has a lovely wife who he has been together with for 16 years. He also has a four-legged son named Oscar. Oscar is a fluffy, brown cocker-spaniel doggo who loves food (naturally). Steve spends his downtime playing guitar and loves all types of music. To keep fit, Steve plays basketball and trains at boxing – gotta’ work off all the yummy food.
On his days off, you can catch Steven sitting at a café with a cappuccino in hand, an eggs-benny on a plate, and his wife and puppy at his side.
Steven said his favourite things about STS Young Endeavour include watching the youth work together, seeing how they overcome their fears, and seeing them make new life-long friends. Steve said he looks forward to showcasing his cooking skills while on-board Young Endeavour!
–
Daniel ‘Dan’ Churchyard joined the Navy in 1999 as a Marine Technician. In his 25 years of service he has worked within the auxiliary fleet and deployed on numerous operations and exercises around the world, including pacific island humanitarian support. His time in Navy has allowed him to travel the world, where he experienced many new cultures and cuisines.
As technical manager, Dan is the first point of contact regarding all things engineering. When not onboard as Technical Manager or ‘Charge’, Dan enjoys 3D printing and supporting his local Veteran community through his involvement within his RSL and Naval Association membership.
As the newest member of the Young Endeavour crew he is looking forward to all the new experiences that he will encounter.
Simon was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria (Woiwurrang Country) along with his three brothers. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two boys. When not sailing Young Endeavour, Simon enjoys spending time skiing during the winter months, playing board games with his sons, reading books or playing video games.
Simon joined the Navy in 2007 as a Marine Technician and joined his first ship in 2008. He has spent the majority of his career serving on frigates and destroyers, and has deployed overseas many times and sailed all around the world. Simon is looking forward to spending time closer to home and exploring more of the ‘less travelled’ areas of Australia’s beautiful coastline.
TJ grew up around Morisset NSW, where he started sailing with his father when he was only three months old. From those early days a passion for sailing and being on the ocean has continued to grow.
In 2011 TJ enlisted in the Navy as a Marine Technician, and has spent most of his career travelling the world aboard Anzac Class Frigates. TJ has planned to join the Young Endeavour crew and have the opportunity to pass on the same life lessons and love for the ocean that he has gained through sailing.
TJ thinks the best part of working in Young Endeavour is the excitement of seeing and exploring new parts of Australia’s beautiful coastline and helping to encourage confidence, teamwork and self-drive in the youth of Australia. TJ is grateful for the love and support he receives from his partner Bronte and their many pets at home in Sydney.
A new Watch Leader will be joining the crew soon! Stay tuned!
Sara grew up in Campbelltown, NSW (Dharawal Country) with her two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Some of Sara’s fondest memories growing up are attending different types of camps throughout the year. The camps provided an opportunity for her and the people around her to grow and discover parts of themselves that they would not find in their day-to-day lives. Sara hopes to provide the same opportunities of growth to every Youth Crew member that conducts a voyage onboard Young Endeavour.
Seeking travel and a dynamic and active workplace, Sara joined the Navy in 2018 as a Communications and Information Systems Sailor. A major milestone in her career thus far has been her three-year posting as Commissioning Crew of HMAS Supply, and conducting two overseas deployments during that time.
Sara’s favourite thing about going to sea is watching the sunrises and sunsets from the best seat in the world. In her spare time, she enjoys bouldering, playing chess, and catching up with friends and family.
Bec grew up in Paynesville, Victoria with her parents and three siblings. As a young adult Bec enjoyed all things outdoors, influencing her decision to work as a camp leader for a year on completion of Year 12 studies. Teaching Year 6’s and 10’s to sail, kayak and camp, she discovered her passion to lead and teach.
With hopes to gain new experiences, meet like-minded people and travel, Bec joined the Navy as a Hydrographic Systems Operator in 2018. Bec has spent most of her Naval career at sea, however the opportunity to work in the smallest school in Tonga in 2022 is one of her greatest career highlights.
A posting to Young Endeavour has always been a career goal for Bec. She is excited to meet many youth crew, challenge herself and explore all that Young Endeavour has to offer.
Reserve Staff Crew
Captain Gav first joined the Young Endeavour crew as bosun during the ship’s first World Voyage in 1992. He returned as Commanding Officer from 2008-2010, then again as Commanding Officer for the ship’s second World Voyage in 2015.
Gav is currently focused on the future of the Young Endeavour Program as the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme’s Project Manager. From time to time he rejoins the ship as relief Captain, continuing a lifetime of service with the Royal Australian Navy.
Captain Mike transferred to the Navy Reserve following decades of service in the Royal Australian Navy. He continues to return to the ship as relief voyage Captain to ensure Captain Libby has time at home during the voyage program.
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, was born in the United Kingdom. However, he really doesn’t like cold weather so he moved to sunny Australia when he was young, settling in Cairns.
He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2014 and has been fortunate enough to serve in a wide range of ships before joining STS Young Endeavour.
In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorbike, hiking, camping and spending time with his friends.
His favourite part about Young Endeavour is meeting the diverse range of people that come on voyages and learning about different walks of life.
