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Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester is urging young Australians looking for an adventure out of the ordinary to apply for a voyage in Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour.
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During each 11-day voyage, 24 young participants from across Australia are taught the skills required to sail a square-rigged tall ship – including how to navigate, keep watch, cook in the galley, take the helm and climb the 30-metre mast to work aloft, setting and furling sails.
"The program, delivered by Royal Australian Navy personnel, also cultivates awareness of the benefits of diversity and instils a desire to contribute to society," Minister Chester said.
Young Endeavour conducts approximately 20 voyages each year, typically on the east coast of Australia. The brigantine will soon sail north from Sydney to tropical north Queensland, before returning to her home port towards the end of the year.
To be eligible for the Young Endeavour Development Program, applicants must be:
- Be Australian citizens or permanent residents;
- Be aged 16-23 years on the day of departure of the selected voyage;
- Weigh less than 120 kilograms*;
- Be able to swim 50 metres; and
- Be in good health.
Minister Chester also encouraged the wider community to support the scheme.
"The program is open to all young Australians. Corporate and community organisations are able to provide scholarships for eligible participants in their communities to join a voyage," he said.
Tax deductible donations to further youth development can also be made to the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Public Trust Fund.
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is a not-for-profit organisation that provides young Australians with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience at sea. The voyages increase self awareness, develop teamwork and leadership skills and create a strong sense of community responsibility among members of the youth crew.
The scheme began when STS Young Endeavour was given to the people of Australia by the UK as a bicentennial gift in 1988. Since then, the scheme, in partnership with the Australian government and the RAN, has provided challenging training voyages for over 12,000 young Australians aboard Young Endeavour.
For more information about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages aboard STS Young Endeavour, visit http://www.youngendeavour.gov.au.
*Due to the limitations of safety equipment aboard, persons greater than 120 kilograms in weight will not be able to sail. All participants are weighed soon after embarkation when they are fitted for safety harnesses.
