The Enterprize Youth Voyage

The Enterprize Youth Voyage has by far been one of my most life-changing experiences yet. This 4-day sailing trip taught me not only how to sail (with no previous experience), but it also taught me the importance of living life to the fullest by ensuring that every experience is done with a smile on your face. This voyage, given graciously to me by Richmond Rotary Club, also showed me how vital this organisation is as well as its volunteers. Without them, I would have never even heard about this opportunity of a lifetime. 

One thing that I truly appreciated about the Enterprize Youth Voyage was that they didn’t care if I had past sailing experience or if I knew anything about boats because they taught me everything I needed to know in those 4 days. As a result, I can now confidently say that I know how to coil rope, climb up a mast and a jibboom, hoist sails and work with a team to sail a ship all by ourselves. 

Speaking of such, prior to this experience, I knew nothing about the other people that were getting onto the ship. I didn’t know their names, their ages or really anything about them. So as you can imagine, it was a bit nerve-wracking when I first hopped onto the shipand set sail. Add to that the fact that I knew no one on board and would be in close confines with them for the next four days, this all was a little frightening for me. However, I quickly realised that regardless of the people on the ship, I was still given this incredible opportunity to learn how to sail (on what felt like a pirate ship) without cost. 

All due to the behind-the-scenes people who made this entire experience possible, the volunteer rotary members. They made sure that at all moments, we were safe and that we all felt as comfortable as possible, despite the harsh weather conditions. Lastly, I wanted to add that to me, this experience was not just about sailing. It was about getting myself out there, about trying new things, about putting my phone down and being in the moment. But most of all, it was about finding out who I was, what I could accomplish and how strong I really was, despite the challenges that come with it. 

So to end this fabulous journey, I want to sincerely thank Richmond Rotary Club, the Enterprize Youth Voyage and  their volunteers for making this the most rewarding experience of my life. Thank you forever.

Inspired by Amelia’s trip? 

Here is how you can apply for the September school holiday program: 

Rotary Youth Sailing Challenge 

Growth and leadership opportunities, adventure at sea for a keen young person! 

'Melbourne's Tall Ship' Enterprize (sailing out of Docklands) has partnered with Rotary and their Youth Sailing Challenge training program and there are berths awaiting keen youth on the upcoming September school holiday voyage around Port Philip Bay - Saturday 21st to Tuesday 24th September!  

The programme is open to secondary school students aged 15 to 18 and successful applicants are sponsored with a local Rotary club providing the $1200 voyage fare.  

Voyages run during the Autumn, Spring and Summer school holidays. Rotary Clubs assign a mentor for each candidate, to help them through the application process and assist in making sure they are ready to get the most out of the voyage. After the experience, students are encouraged to make a short presentation to their sponsoring Club to tell them all about this amazing adventure. 

All information can be found and the online applications can be initiated straight away on the website: Enterprize (VIC) – Pre-Application – Rotary Youth Sailing 

Please apply as soon as possible , as places are limited. In the meantime, here's some great sailing footage from earlier this year!