Youths sail through program
THE Royal Australian Navy- operated sail training ship Young Endeavour has finished a tenmonth circumnavigation of Australia which saw the vessel stop at a number of ports including in North Queensland.
Head Reserve and Youth Division, Rear Admiral Bruce Kafer, congratulated the Navy personnel and the 24 young Australians who sailed the ship back to her home port at Sydney.
“During the circumnavigation, Young Endeavour visited the top end of Australia for the first time since 2009,” Rear Admiral Kafer said.
“Importantly, after Young Endeavour departed Sydney in May 2016, more than 500 young people who embarked in the ship for various voyages enhanced their leadership and life skills, which is the objective of this youth development program.
“Five of the 20 voyages conducted during the circumnavigation delivered a young indigenous leadership program for 120 participants.”
“During each of the 11- to 13- day voyages, 24 young people learned the necessary skills to sail a square- rigged tall ship, including how to navigate, keep watch, cook in the galley, set and furl sails, take the helm and climb the 30- metre mast.
“Finally, each group elected a leadership team to command the 44- metre brigantine for a 24hour period at the end of each voyage.”
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is an internationally recognised youth development program that has been developing teamwork, leadership, communication and resilience skills among young Australians for more than 29 years.
This year the Young Endeavour will sail to Brisbane, Bundaberg, Airlie Beach, Mackay and Newcastle, before returning Sydney in October.