Noakes Youth Young Endeavour Voyage
02.01.08
On the 26th of December 2007 Sean Langman and six Tasmanian youths began their voyage to cross Bass Straight as radio relay vessel for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart onboard the Young Endeavour. This was made possible through Noakes Youth sponsorship and the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme which aims at providing young Australians with a unique, challenging and inspirational sailing and development experience that allows youths to develop personal awareness, increase teamwork and leadership skills and create a strong sense of community.
Throughout the voyage our sailors participated in a range of activities including learning the ropes, tacking the ship, sail theory and navigation lessons, rope races and deck sports, as well as even climbing aloft up the ships 30 metre mast! Such activities are participated in with the intent of developing skills in leadership, teamwork, co-operation, confidence and communication.
Day one proved to be an exciting one for the youth crew as they witnessed the chaos that is the start to the Rolex Sydney to Hobart race. All crew members worked hard, learning the ropes as well as how to tack the ship as a crew. While some came down with seasickness, everyone remained enthusiastic and cheerful.
Day two saw the ship cross into the waters of Victoria as the fleet surged ahead, the young sailors the Young Endeavour had to motorsail in order to maintain their position in the back part of the fleet. Our founder Sean Langman even gave the youth crew a sail theory lecture as well as a talk on his own plans to break the world sailing speed record in the ‘Wotrocket’ later this year.
As the ship entered the infamous Bass Straight on day three everyone was shocked and pleased to see very calm and smooth waters ahead. The youth crew learned the theory of navigation, followed by ‘rope races’ and ‘deck sports’. Later on Sean Langman showed a video of his participation in last year’s race onboard 'Maluka'.
On Day four everyone’s breath was taken away by the picturesque east coast of Tasmania, a sight only beaten by the grand entrance made by the Young Endeavour as she sailed on between the towering cliffs of Tasman Island and Cape Pillar while accompanied by purposes and seals. It was a scene that will remain in the minds of all on board forever. Later on the crew went ashore for a ghost tour of the very spooky Port Arthur, known to be the haunting place of first settlers and convicts.
After a five day voyage, our tired and salty sailors were sad to part but knew that the friendships gained on the voyage would be there for life. Everyone found that the voyage had been a journey of self discovery and had gained valuable knowledge and confidence not only in themselves but also when working as a team.
Many of the youth crew members were only too happy to give an account of the voyage and what the experience had meant to them.
"On my voyage from Sydney to Hobart on the Young Endeavour we learnt how to work as a team, communicate better and respect each other. We learnt a lot about each other.
We played games such as knights, mounts and cavaliers, hoop races, lemmings, chickens and cows and fender races. Fender races were my favourite as we had two people sitting on each fender and raced around midship.
I finally overcame my fear of heights after climbing all the way to the top of the mast which is 30 metres; I hung off the top gallant yard mast! When I first started to climb I was freaking because I thought I would never be able to do it, but I proved myself wrong and went all the way to the top.
We learnt how to tie knots, navigate around the water, drive the helm, which sails are which, which ropes lead to which sails and last but not least I learnt how to sail as I have never done this before.
All of my experiences on this ship would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Sean Langman who sponsored me along with five other people from Tasmania. I am grateful to Sean for all that he has done for me and I have respect and gratitude towards all staff on the Young Endeavour for teaching me about the workings of the ship.
I would also like to mention that is was fun at morning brief with Suz’s Program of the Day, Lisa’s scurvy tales from pirate days, Sean’s wise tales from the water and ships, Nanna and her belongings and Jazz’s 'Where the hell are we?!'
I would like to again say thank you to Sean Langman for the experiences I had on the Young Endeavour, the ship lived up to my expectations! I absolutely loved the time on the ship and the people I have met on the voyage."
Tamika Phillips
"The Voyage V22, Sydney to Hobart was only made possible for me with the help of Sean Langman. He sponsored six Tasmanians to experience a once in a life time experience.
I was extremely excited about this voyage because I have always wanted to do a Sydney to Hobart and go on the Young Endeavour! Sean has made my goals a reality, Thanks Sean.
One highlight for me during the voyage was experiencing the sensation and vibes at the beginning of the race. I endured every moment as the fleet started and many cruising boats followed. It was really interesting to see so many helicopters swarming around like little bugs!
It was beautiful seeing the Sydney harbour and Sydney Opera House! Definitely a Kodak moment!
I was so amazed by the beautiful sunset. Our ‘Blue watch’ climbed up the mast, Sumo, Davis, George and I climbed to the very top, a moment to be remembered.
It was really good meeting heaps of people from different cultures, interacting and making friends for life! As well as experiencing the voyage with people 18 and over.
I have conquered challenges I never thought I could do. And the food is the best! Thanks Simon.
We travelled to Wineglass Bay and Port Arthur with a Ghost Tour to follow.
The overall experience of the Young Endeavour is one everyone should try; you gain so many skills and meet awesome people. This voyage will never be forgotten."
Kylie Ashlin
"My voyage on the Young Endeavour was a great experience, meeting and learning new things about people and different types of sailing.
It was a great experience heading out the heads with all the other yachts.
The best thing on the Young Endeavour was climbing aloft and the other great activities that the staff provided.
I would recommend the Young Endeavour to other youths. It was a fantastic experience!
I would also like to thank Sean for this experience.’
George Eaves
"I would like to start this entry with a special thanks to Sean for sponsoring me for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on the Young Endeavour.
The voyage has come close to the end now and it has been an experience I will never forget!
Five days across the Bass Straight, the first two were a bit of a battle through a touch of seasickness but after that it was smooth sailing.
The most memorable moments for me were the start of the race with boats and helicopters everywhere, meeting all the staff and crew and making new friends, coming through the Tasman was incredible and then finally coming home to Hobart."
Gene Jaehne
‘As I wake on the biggest yacht I have ever been on, the Young Endeavour, I am pleased to see another fine day outside. I didn’t know what to expect on this voyage, but one thing I did have in mind before I came onboard was I was going to give it all I had.
My skills have improved a lot with boats including navigating, being a lookout, being on watch, using ropes, being in a team and cleaning. I am happy to say that my goal was not to get seasick and that I accomplished this.
Also the people I have met have helped me to become a more confident person in a team and on the water. To Sean I owe a big thank you for giving me this opportunity and together we have made it.
This Sydney to Hobart will be stuck in my mind forever. Also the coastline was magnificent, it is a part of Tassie not many people have seen which made me enjoy the trip that little bit more. The coastline was my favourite part.
Mark Payne
If you would like to learn more about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme visit their website at www.youngendeavour.gov.au
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