When 23-year-old Lake Macquarie woman Carolyn Burns sailed into the waters off Newcastle Harbour on Friday morning, she did so reluctantly.
As the iconic landmarks of Nobbys Lighthouse, Newcastle City Hall and Christ Church Cathedral slowly came into focus, she knew her journey onboard STS Young Endeavour had come to an end.
Despite some minor seasickness, the civil engineer says being onboard Australia’s national Sail Training Ship, for its ninth voyage in 2023, was once again a life-changing experience.
“This was an ambassador returning voyage for me, which means it was my second time sailing on the Endeavour,” Carolyn said.
“It was five days sailing from Sydney.
“It was so much fun, a great challenge, an adventure.”
It’s an obsession that began for Carolyn three years ago.
“I saw the ship sailing into Newcastle and it looked amazing, and I thought, I need to get on that ship,” she said.
And, while she says the sailing is fun, there’s a lot more to the program.
“It’s about developing your self-confidence, having respect for others by living together in a small space, and collaborating to get things done,” she explained.
The story is much the same for 17-year-old Evelyn Bell, of Muswellbrook.
She recently sailed in Voyage 08/23, living out a long-held dream to set sail on board STS Young Endeavour.
“I first stepped on board Young Endeavour in Newcastle in 2019 as part of a community day sail,” Evelyn said.
“It was such an enjoyable experience I knew had to apply when I turned 16.”
Evelyn achieved her dream of sailing in Young Endeavour in April 2023, and found the voyage both challenging and rewarding.
“As we sailed into Jervis Bay, the swell was big, the rain was heavy and we were seasick,” she said.
“Looking back now it is one of the highlights because we overcame the challenging conditions.
“By the end of that day the sun was out and we enjoyed a trip ashore.”
The open ship will give Evelyn the chance to share her experience with Newcastle youth, and to encourage others to apply for this adventure of a lifetime.
“You’ll experience sailing, you’ll meet life-long friends, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself along the way.” she said.
“This ship is my favourite place on earth and the people I met became family.
“You will walk away a different person for the better.”
Since 1988 more than 14,000 young Australians from across the nation have sailed aboard the Young Endeavour, taking part in an inspiring youth development experience.
The program helps participants develop self-awareness and confidence and gives them an opportunity to grow their teamwork and leadership skills through structured sail training and self-development activities.
Applications are now open to young Australians aged 16-23.
On Sunday 18 June, between 10pm and 4pm, the STS Young Endeavour will be docked at Tug Boat Wharf opposite Foreshore Park, Wharf Road .
The crew will welcome visitors of all ages aboard the ship to explore, meet the Royal Australian Navy staff crew and learn about the benefits of the program.
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