Captain's Log

V05/25, Sydney to Brisbane

2 April 2025

Day 1 – Final Circumnavigation

Ahoy there supporters of this fine ship. Today marks the first day of our Circumnavigation of Australia Adventure. Voyage 05/25 is the first of 14 voyages over the next 5 months and to say we are a little bit excited would be a massive understatement. The ship has come through a short maintenance period where we put some finishing touches to prepare for this epic voyage before sailing out of the Noakes Shipyard last week.

Today; we welcomed 24 new adventurers onboard for an experience of a lifetime. Myself along with Thommo, Kars, Chucky, MattyJ, Nathan, Lowie, Bec, Sean, Dan and Simon are thrilled to share this experience with these brave Young Australians. The first step on a life changing development voyage is to apply, cross the gangway and put yourself out there. Expand your Horizons!

After welcoming everyone onboard we departed Fleet Base East, Woolloomooloo, and sailed around the harbour whilst our paparazzi filmed our progress and captured the moment. This is the last circumnavigation voyage for this beautiful ship and it is bitter sweet. Tonight we climb the foremast at anchor in Athol Bay while listening out for the lions roar at sunset from Taronga Zoo.

The weather is looking amazing as we plan our journey north along the East Coast of Australia with our final destination being Brisbane on the 12th of April.

Come with us as we explore this vast country and share the experience with 384 Young Australians over the next five months. Everyone keeps telling me how lucky we are to be on such an adventure – I have to say, I agree with them!

Check the website and follow us port to port. We look forward to seeing you in your special part of Australia and hope that one of the 384 Young Australians coming out with us are one of yours.

Wish us Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Captain Leups Out +

Latitude/Longitude:

33 50.97 S / 151 14.35 E

Conditions:

Weather: Sunny Wind: Light and Variable Temp:

AUTHOR: Andrew Leupen

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Day 10 – V08/25, Cairns to Thursday Island

Today is our last full day on this wonderful voyage. We started at anchor in the Torres Strait, near our destination of Thursday Island (conveniently located next to Wednesday and Friday Islands). Overnight we were treated to the sight of a large shiver of beautiful reef sharks. We woke up in this lovely spot taking in all the views of the islands, the clear blue water and playing a game of Ubuntu. We then cleaned the boat for some special guests that were arriving. We had the absolute privilege of meeting the whole of government effort in the Torres strait with representatives from; 51 Far North Queensland Army Regiment, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We showed them around our ship and the skills we have learnt over this incredible voyage. We also learnt so much off them and the important roles they play in such a remote area as well as the importance of working together to achieve a common goal of keeping Australia safe. We then did our final rope races, with Red watch coming out on top but participation of all watches and staff made this such a fun competition throughout the voyage. We then had our final lunch, and we were treated to a Chicken Parma (not parmi) and teriyaki noodles. We set sail for our last run at sea for a few hours and began making our way to our final destination, anchoring between Thursday and Horn Islands. Whilst at Sea we climbed the yards and challenged ourselves once more by putting on the UV cover of our sails whilst underway at sea but still able to take in the beautiful views of this remote part of Australia. We then went into our end of voyage chats to reflect on our time throughout the voyage. We reflected on how we have all grown and developed into more amazing young people and were also tasked to write a letter to our future selves to read in 6 months’ time. The reflection tasks have helped us to learn about ourselves and the people we want to be and become. After a BBQ dinner we are off to a disco to dance and sing the night away with the amazing people we have become to know over the last 10 days. This journey is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and all the people we have met and made incredible connections with will forever hold a place in our hearts. The memories we have made and the self-development we have achieved has made this voyage priceless. It will be incredibly sad to say goodbye to everyone tomorrow, not just other youthies but also the extraordinary staff that make this program possible. They are the most passionate people you will meet with huge hearts and a lot of love to give. There is no big enough thankyou we can give to everyone on board. If you’re ever thinking of taking this opportunity have no ride regret and just submit that application because it will truly change your life no matter how big or small. Love youse all x Your favourite ginger twins (Georgia and Taylah) +

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Day 1 – Final Circumnavigation

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