Ash Bolt
Visitors to the Waterfront will have noticed the Young Endeavour docked this week.
Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe and the crew of the STS Young Endeavour were excited to be visiting Geelong again after completing a 10-day voyage from Tasmania with a youth crew from Hobart.
The voyage was part of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme’s development program, where specially trained Royal Australian Navy staff crew teach the youth crew how to sail this square-rigged tall ship.
The program also aims to develop leadership and teamwork qualities as they face new challenges of the seas.
During the voyage each member of the youth crew learns to set and furl sails, navigate the ship, keep watch on the bridge, take the helm, climb the 30-metre masts and assist the chef in the galley.
Each voyage culminates in Command Day, when the youth crew elect their own leadership team and take charge of Young Endeavour for 24 hours, completing set tasks and challenges while sailing the ship.
In 2022 Young Endeavour is scheduled to sail to Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, with crews of young people between 16 and 23.
The ship is also scheduled to return to Geelong in March to participate in the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
COVID-19 restrictions pending, the crew is hoping to be able to welcome visitors aboard the ship during that visit.
