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STS Young Endeavour Sail Training Ship

STS Young Endeavour is Australia's sail training flagship. Young Endeavour was a gift to the people of Australia by the British government in 1988 to celebrate Australia's bicentenary. Although operated by the Royal Australian Navy, Young Endeavour is primarily used to provide sail training to Australian youth through the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. Up to 24 young Australians embark on each voyage and participate in the internationally recognised program, delivered by the Navy staff crew. Since 1988, over 13,000 young Australians have participated in the program, which develops teamwork, leadership, communication, resilience and instils a sense of community responsibility.

The 14,000th young Australian to embark in Sailing Training Ship Young Endeavour has completed his 11-day voyage aboard the square-rigged tall ship. Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, AM acknowledged the achievement and congratulated 16 year old Matthew Shelverton, of Hobart, Tasmania. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the world-class youth development program delivered in Young Endeavour,” Rear Admiral Mead said. “For the youth crew, this voyage has provided an additional challenge as they learned to sail Young Endeavour across Bass Strait, from Hobart to Melbourne.”

Since 1988, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, has been challenging young Australians during voyages in Australian waters, and around the world. While the sail training program teaches sailing skills including helming, navigation and climbing aloft to set and furl sails, it also develops teamwork, leadership and communication.

“During a voyage in Young Endeavour, participants have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and to grow both as individuals and as members of the Australian community,” Rear Admiral Mead said. “The confidence and self-awareness they gain through the program stands them in good stead for the future. I congratulate the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and the Navy crew for their dedication, and for the positive impact they have made in the lives of so many young Australians.”

A second generation crew member, Matthew was encouraged to apply for a voyage by his father Andrew Shelverton – a member of the original delivery crew who sailed Young Endeavour from England to Australia in 1987-88.