Young Endeavour

By N’Kayla Gaydon

I recently had the privilege of sailing aboard the STS Endeavour.

On the 28th April, I boarded the ship in Newcastle along with 23 strangers and 7 leaders. By sailing you see some amazing places like Moreton Bay, Crowdy Heads, Stradbroke Island and South West Rocks, just to name a few.

During the 12 day voyage you learn leadership and teamwork skills and you meet some pretty awesome people. We did a lot of setting and furling of the sails, but also played fun on-deck games. Two memorable days for me on the ship were command day and community day.

Command day was where all ‘youthies’ took over the ship for 24 hours and had to show leadership and teamwork skills that we had been learning about during the voyage. All ’youthies’ had to sail the ship to a destination we had determined in order to successfully complete command day. On command day you also had to select a captain, three watch leaders, a watch officer, a navigator and three chefs. I was lucky to be selected as a chef during this time.

Community day was where all ‘youthies’ and staff hosted a lunch on board and a sailing experience for people who are unable to complete a 12-day voyage. In this case, some of the children from the Brisbane Children’s Hospital came on board and we sailed along the Brisbane River.

The Young Endeavour was absolutely amazing. Some examples of the skills and knowledge I learnt while on the trip include that I’m a leader who leads from the back…..not always willing to stand at the front and give orders.

The experience was also great for improving my confidence and it cured my fear of heights. I would do it all over again if I could, but I would rather give the opportunity to someone else so that could experience what I have.

For anyone who is wanting to step out of their comfort zone and is willing to try something new, I would highly recommend Young Endeavour.