The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) today launched a national ballot for a world voyage in 2015 by the Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour.
At the Navy Heritage Centre in Sydney, Sir Peter Cosgrove, who is the Patron of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, also met with Young Endeavour alumni and Royal Australian Navy staff crew at the announcement of the 12-month world voyage and launch of applications for berths in Young Endeavour.
“I think this scheme is a wonderful reflection of our national identity and values – having a go, giving it your all, being courageous in what you are attempting, making friends, being proud of what you are achieving, and enjoying and bettering yourself along the way,” the Governor-General said. “Today, I encourage Australians aged 18-30 to apply for this exciting adventure. This is a tremendous opportunity to invest your time into an unforgettable journey; a journey not only around the world, but also of self-discovery.
“I know our young people will be up to this challenge, because I am continually amazed at the capability, capacity, enthusiasm and above all, the ‘get-up-and-go’ of young Australians.”
With crews of 24 youth and 12 Navy staff, the ship will sail the Roaring Forties, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel, and into the North Sea, returning via the Cape of Good Hope and the Indian Ocean. More than 200 youth will have the opportunity to join one of nine voyage crews as Young Endeavour circumnavigates the world for the first time in over 20 years.
Significantly, for a ship crewed by the Royal Australian Navy, Young Endeavour will visit Greece and Turkey to participate in the Centenary of Anzac Commemorations.
The World Voyage will also include a visit to the United Kingdom, where Young Endeavour was built as the Bicentenary gift to the Government and people of Australia, and several of the ports first visited during the ship’s maiden voyage in 1987. The ship will also represent Australia in the Sail Training International Tall Ships' Races – promoting international friendship, and furthering education and development for young people of all nationalities.
Berths on the World Voyage will be allocated by ballot, which opens today, 1 September 2014. Youth aged 18-30 years are encouraged to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity to join a circumnavigation of the world aboard STS Young Endeavour.
For more information about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages aboard STS Young Endeavour, visit: www.youngendeavour.gov.au.
