DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 362/09
Friday, 23 October 2009
YOUNG ENDEAVOUR WINS AUSTRALIAN SAIL TRAINING TROPHY
Australia’s national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour this week won the Australian Sail
Training Association 2009 Billy Can Trophy after winning a Tall Ship Regatta in Fremantle,
Western Australia.
Young Endeavour raced the Western Australian square rigged ship Leeuwin II over a sixteen
nautical mile course. The ships sailed north along the coast before heading out to sea, then
turning and racing to the finish line outside Fremantle Harbour.
Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe, Commanding Officer Young Endeavour said, “It was a
great race, and a great opportunity for the local community to see two tall ships together
under full sail.
“The Regatta was closely contested and both crews joined in the spirit of the event, firing
simulation rounds from their cannons as they passed mid-race.
“The youth crew aboard Young Endeavour thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to
race another tall ship and put into practice the new skills they have learned throughout their
voyage,” said Lieutenant Commander Dawe.
The Sydney-based Young Endeavour is visiting Western Australia for the first time since
2001 as part of a circumnavigation of Australia. The ship arrived at Fremantle on Wednesday
crewed by 24 young Australians from around the country.
During their eleven day voyage these young Australians have learned the skills to
successfully sail a square-rigged ship, taking command of Young Endeavour and sailing her
along the Western Australian coast. They have participated in sail handling, working aloft and
ship watch keeping, as well as helm and navigation activities, maintaining look-out, and
assisting the chef.
Since 1988 the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in partnership with the Royal Australian
Navy, has provided challenging training voyages for over 11,000 young Australians in the tall
ship Young Endeavour. These voyages provide the youth crew with a unique, challenging and
inspirational experience that increases self awareness, develops teamwork and leadership
skills and creates a strong sense of community responsibility. Voyages in Young Endeavour
are open to all Australians aged 16-23. For more information please visit
Imagery of the Tall Ship Regatta are available on the Defence website at:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
