Alice Fergusson, Year 12 2025
When a ‘Young Endeavour’ poster in the Esther Tuckey Library caught my eye, little did I know how much I would learn from joining the Voyage No. 2/2025 from Eden to Melbourne.
Departing on January 17th, our crew of 24 young people from across Australia joined the professional sailors to head south and cross the Bass Strait. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were all hands on deck; sharing stories, learning, laughing and working towards a goal of sailing together for 11 days and 10 nights.
As Southerlies blew and we tacked amidst the tail end of a storm, seeing numerous pods of dolphins flying by encouraged us to continue. The sunsets viewed from the mast were astoundingly beautiful and were a surreal end to the day.
Once we’d learned the ropes (literally), and made our way back to mainland shores, I found myself reflecting on the deep ties Frensham has to the sea. Miss Winifred West’s journey to Australia by ship, and her connection to Shackleton’s expedition—commemorated in the painting of the sinking ship in Cooper Hall—reminded me of the resilience, courage, and sense of adventure that are central to our history and School spirit.
There were moments on the Young Endeavour that were surprisingly familiar. Nautical greetings carried the zeal of War Cries, commands were given with the gusto of belted notes in Hymn Practice, and the morning briefs were akin to Prayers. Even ‘Happy Hour’—our daily cleaning routine to show respect for our surroundings—felt similar to Holting.
Along the way, we spotted whales, seals, and terns, with each encounter a sign of the incredible ecosystems beyond our own.
When I needed to dig deep—pulling in lines against 30-knot winds—I found myself singing Jerusalem in my head: ‘And did those feet in ancient time, walk upon…’
Sailing the Young Endeavour is not solely about learning knots and navigation. It is about finding grit through passion and perseverance. It is about expanding horizons, pushing limits, and embracing challenges with courage and camaraderie. All the while, experiencing magnificent wildlife and scenery. For anyone considering it for Year 10 and above: take the plunge and apply. You never know where the wind will take you. And for those staying on dry land, take with you the STS Young Endeavour’s motto ‘Carpe diem’: make the most of the present moment.