STS Young Endeavour Completes Circumnavigation
The Royal Australian Navy operated Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour sailed into Fremantle today, completing a year-long circumnavigation of the world.
Assistant Minister for Defence Darren Chester was in Western Australia to welcome the seafarers back to Australian soil and personally congratulate members of the Royal Australian Navy crew and the 24 young Australians who sailed the ship on the last leg across the Indian Ocean from Cape Town, in South Africa.
“A circumnavigation of the world is a remarkable achievement for all involved, from Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe, to each member of the Young Endeavour 2015 World Voyage crew,” Mr Chester said.
During the 12-month voyage, 208 young Australians joined the Navy crew for up to 60 days onboard the 44 metre brigantine to sail across three oceans and many seas, rounding both Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, participating in Centenary of Anzac commemorations at Gallipoli, and racing in the 2015 Tall Ship Races in Europe.
“They have overcome many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional, and have been rewarded with a unique opportunity to explore the world, to learn about themselves and each other, and to expand their horizons,” Mr Chester said.
“Their achievements are a credit to the Royal Australian Navy and to the team who oversee the operation of the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program.”
Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, RAN, Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services, Corrective Services, Small Business, and Veterans Joe Francis, representing the Premier, and Melissa Parke, member for Fremantle, also joined family members to welcome the sailors home.
Young Endeavour visited New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Malta, France, Portugal, England, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and South Africa throughout the passage.
Young Endeavour will remain in Western Australia until the New Year and in 2016 will undertake 20 voyages along the Australian coast, providing opportunities for more than 500 youth to participate in the program.
