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Ambassador Story
24 April 2017
Up Above
“I had never been someone who was afraid of heights, but as soon as I started climbing the mast for the first time, I couldn’t stop shaking. I remember the numerous stops we had to make on our ascent to the top, the nerves just increased as I was standing there waiting. Once I was finally at the top, my watch leader suggested I go out and sit on the yard, so I managed that, and then fellow members of my watch encouraged me to sit on top of the yard. Believe it or not, it was more comforting to sit on top, until I realised I had to somehow get back down. Looking down and seeing the waves crashing against the ship, put things in a crazy new perspective. There was one day that as we were untying the gaskets, that we were watching dolphins, from above, as they were swimming alongside us. You don’t get those experiences in many places, but the Young Endeavour helped make those come true for me!
After a while the climb became a little easier and was something you managed to get through. These were the types of challenges and experiences which encouraged me to apply for a voyage aboard STS Young Endeavour! The memories and life changing experiences are going to be with me forever.”
Sherie Ball
You might also be interested in
Events
10 March 2024
Government House Open Day Young Endeavour representatives – Saturday 16 March
⚓Ahoy team! Young Endeavour representatives will be at the Government House Open Day on Saturday 16 March 2024 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Folks in Canberra on the day can come along and ask the team all the burning questions you might have!
Applications for 2024 voyages remain open to youth aged between 16-23 who are looking for a life-changing adventure. A voyage on STS Young Endeavour is a unique opportunity for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills through an internationally recognised youth development program.
Check out our website to apply. ➡️https://youngendeavour.gov.au/
News
26 February 2024
Join Our Team – Marketing Manager
Young Endeavour Youth SchemeMarketing and Communication Manager Looking for a new career opportunity? We are currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Marketing and Communication Manager to join our team.Reporting to the Executive Director, you will join an integrated APS/ADF team and be responsible for delivering brand, customer and engagement outcomes, as well as contributing to program expansion over the forward two years.You will design and implement strategies and campaigns that build awareness, enhance participant and stakeholder experiences, generate inspiring content for traditional and digital platforms, and promote opportunities for young Australians to participate in our youth development program.This is an opportunity to take a leadership role in a small team and apply your considerable skills and expertise to managing marketing, communication and engagement activities for a separately branded entity within Defence.The role is based at Garden Island NSW with access to flexible arrangements around office work and some travel, including sailing in STS Young Endeavour.For more information and to submit an application, visit Defence Careers.Applications close 10 March 2024.
FIND OUT MORE
https://youtu.be/-kHnxevFrmI
07 February 2024
STS Young Endeavour Sydney to Hobart 2023/24
On Boxing Day 2023, the 79th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race commenced with STS Young Endeavour dutifully following the fleet of competitors down to Hobart as a Radio Relay Vessel.
Young Endeavour has played a supporting role in the race biennially since 1993, and 2023 was no exception. Acting as a Radio Relay and Safety Vessel to help the vessels competing in the race report their positions whilst transiting through low-signal areas like the Bass Strait and far offshore in the Tasman Sea. To ensure communications remain clear at all times, radio relay ships are placed near the front and rear of the competitor pack to monitor race communications and retransmit signals when required. This ensures that the race is monitored at all times, so officials and fans can follow all the action and, that any emergencies will be heard and responded to in good time.
Young Endeavour departed HMAS Waterhen in the morning of 26 December and took up prime viewing position in the Harbour in vicinity of North Head. After witnessing the commencement of the race at 1300, sails were set and the ship followed the fleet from Sydney Harbour and proceeded south, aiming to remain around the back third of the dispersed racers.
For the five-day voyage Young Endeavour welcomed ‘Returnee’ crew (former Youth Crew who have participated in a voyage in the past) to assist in our transit south. Unfortunately, for the Returnee crew, the swell was unforgiving and many spent half the voyage battling seasickness. However, through 40-knot winds and 4-metre southerly swells, the Young Endeavour pushed on, with Returnees working lines to set and furl sails.
LSCIS-C Sara Turnbull described the experience “It was awesome, being among a fleet of sailors and yachts fearlessly setting sail in truly awful conditions really inspired me. I have a lot of respect for the mariners who continue to race year after year.”
After persevering through the arduous conditions, in the early hours of the morning of 31 December, Young Endeavour was able to tack to the west, rounding Tasman Island and finally placing the wind on our beam. Once we were able to use our fore and aft sails with effect, it was a quick trip up Storm Bay into the sheltered safety of the Derwent River.
Once alongside Hobart on New Year’s Eve, the crew of the Young Endeavour gave a fond farewell to the Returnee crew and joined in the post-race celebrations. With Commanding Officer LCDR Libby Newman accepting a Meritorious Service Recognition on behalf of the ship, for Young Endeavour’s “generous, professional and enduring contribution to the race”.
With all the official duties done, the crew were then free to enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities in the beautiful Salamanca Place and Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival.
