29 January 2025
Applications are now open for youth development voyages in the Navy-operated tall ship STS Young Endeavour.
This exciting program will mark the brigantine’s final circumnavigation of Australia before a new, state-of-the-art vessel enters service in the coming years.
Commanding Officer Young Endeavour Lieutenant Commander Andrew Leupen said the voyage would give participants the chance to learn new skills in a unique environment.
“A voyage in Young Endeavour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Australians aged 16-23 to build valuable leadership and teamwork skills, helping them to increase their self-confidence and apply resilience in their everyday lives,” he said.
“Myself and the embarked Navy staff crew are proud to work with the youth of Australia, and we look forward to welcoming new youth crew on board and sailing to some of the most spectacular locations our country has to offer.”
Young Endeavour will visit ports including Brisbane, Gladstone, Cairns, Thursday Island, Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Fremantle and Albany, before wrapping up along Adelaide, Geelong and returning to Sydney.
“This will be Young Endeavour’s first circumnavigation of Australia in eight years, and includes visits to some spectacular parts of the country,” Lieutenant Commander Leupen said.
“The 2025 voyage program offers an exciting opportunity for youth in regional and remote areas to join Young Endeavour and participate in the Youth Development Program in their home state.”
'We often hear from parents that youth return home with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, as each voyage provides opportunities to meet new people, gain new perspectives and explore personal goals.'
At each port, 24 new youth crew will embark and spend up to 13 days learning the skills required to sail a square-rigged vessel, including navigation, taking the helm, sail handling, climbing aloft and even taking command of the ship for 24 hours of the voyage.
While on board, youth crew have no access to mobile phones or social media, giving them the opportunity to disconnect from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in this new world at sea.
“We often hear from parents that youth return home with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, as each voyage provides opportunities to meet new people, gain new perspectives and explore personal goals,” Lieutenant Commander Leupen said.
“The unique nature of the adventure these young Australians experience together means the friendships, skills and sense of community formed on board can last a lifetime.”
Since 1988, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in partnership with the Australian Government and Navy, has provided challenging and inspiring voyages for more than 14,000 youth on board Young Endeavour.
More than 35 years on, Young Endeavour continues to attract young Australians to participate in the world-class development program, with alumni confirming they have gained increased confidence to take on new challenges, and will apply the lessons learned on board to their everyday lives.
Applications for 2025 voyages are now open. Youth aged 16-23 can apply online at www.youngendeavour.gov.au
