A YOUNG Port Macquarie man has become the 12,000th Australian to set sail in the sail-training ship Young Endeavour and complete the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program.
Nineteen-year-old Braydon Eastwell achieved the milestone over the weekend after an 11-day voyage along the Queensland coast ending in the Whitsundays in Far North Queensland.
Braydon, who had never sailed before, said the experience was amazing.
“From day one the voyage was full on and absolutely awesome,” he said.
“Working in a team in close quarters and being able to mingle with so many people from so many walks of life was amazing.
“The most challenging thing on board was hanging 33m over the ocean in the rain and 40-knot winds, but everyone got in there and worked really hard – it makes the challenges easy when you’ve got those people around you.”
Braydon was one of 24 young people from around the country who joined the ship at Cairns on 3 June for an adventure at sea under the guidance of Lieutenant Commander Michael Gough, RAN, and a specially trained Royal Australian Navy crew.
The young crew participate in all aspects of sailing a tall ship, including learning to set the sails, take the helm, navigating using the ship’s charts, and climbing to the top of the 30m mast.
A voyage in Young Endeavour is a unique experience and one which develops skills for life.
The internationally recognised youth development program delivered on-board builds teamwork, leadership and resilience, and fosters a strong sense of community amongst participants.
After a week at sea the youth crew demonstrated these skills by taking command of the Young Endeavour and sailing the ship to its final destination.
After arriving at Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays on Friday, Braydon said he felt like he had a lot more commitment to everything he did.
“None of us were sailors at the start, and by the end we realised that if you put your mind to it you’ve got the drive and passion to do whatever you want,” he said.
“If you’re thinking about sailing Young Endeavour, do it! It’s an experience of a lifetime, one you can’t forget, and the things you get out of it are beyond words”.
STS Young Endeavour is the gift given to the government and people of Australia to mark the Bicentenary in 1988.
Since then, 12,000 Australians have completed the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program, and a further 10,000 guests from organisations supporting youth with special needs have joined the ship for a community day sail.
Voyages in Young Endeavour are open to all Australians aged 16-23.
For more information visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au.
