Not every sister and brother get to say they’ve sailed Australia’s coast on board national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour – but for Elsie and Joey, completing separate voyages became a shared milestone and cherished bond.

Elsie, now 26, joined Young Endeavour in 2019 for Voyage 02/19 from Melbourne to Sydney.

Her younger brother Joey, 23, followed in her footsteps earlier this year on Voyage 08/25 from Cairns to Thursday Island.

Originally from Brisbane, the siblings said the experience shaped them in powerful, yet different ways.

“I first heard about the program when it came up on my Facebook feed,” Elsie said.

“Our dad is really into sailing, so I flagged it with him and he said, ‘Go for it’.”

Joey recalled hearing about his sister’s voyage and welcoming her into Sydney Harbour.

“I saw how much she enjoyed it and my parents suggested I give it a go too,” he said. 

“I love the ocean, and although I’m definitely not great at sailing, I decided to try.”

Elsie was thrilled when she heard Joey had been accepted.

“He had more sailing experience than me, so I knew he’d thrive,” she said. 

“I actually reminded Mum and Dad that he was nearing the age limit, and his name went into the ballot the very next day.”

And thrive he did.

When Elsie and their mum boarded the ship on Thursday Island to welcome him home, the change was clear.

“Mum and I looked at each other and agreed – he had taken to it like a duck to water. You couldn’t wipe the grin off his face,” Elise said.

'Grab every opportunity with both hands. You don’t get another turn. This program is so special.'

Joey said what stood out for him was the rapid bond formed with his fellow crew and the trust built during the program. 

“The camaraderie you manage to build in 10 days is incredible,” he said.

“The Navy staff were amazing. Chris helped coach us through rope races. I also loved the surprise of the 24-hour command day.

“I had no idea it was coming, but absolutely loved stepping up and solving problems as a team.”

Elsie, who sailed into Sydney Harbour, said that moment was unforgettable.

“My family were on a boat nearby and could see me sailing in. It was really special for all of us,” she said.

Though their voyages were different, both agreed on the lasting impact.

“My trip was a cruise compared to Elsie’s – more of a bumpy road – but the effect it had on both of us was the same," Joey said. "We both loved it."

Elsie said Joey returned with a new sense of maturity.

“He looked like a leader, someone the others looked up to,” she said.

As for lessons learnt, Elsie saw the value of teamwork in her daily work in finance.

“Success doesn’t come from individual effort but from a group working together, trusting and supporting each other,” she said.

Joey, meanwhile, discovered a passion for teaching.

“I’ve never seen myself as a coach, but I really enjoyed helping others learn,” he said.

Their advice for future voyage applicants?

“Grab every opportunity with both hands. You don’t get another turn. This program is so special,” Elise said.  

Joey said: “Don’t be scared. Do everything. It’s the trip of a lifetime. I just wish we had more ships like it.”

Apply now to join a future voyage. Visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au