Royal Australian Navy Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour (I) has arrived in Sydney, completing its final circumnavigation of Australia and marking a significant milestone in the ships 37-year history. 

This circumnavigation marks the last time STS Young Endeavour (I) will sail around the country, ahead of the program’s transition to a new, purpose-built sail training vessel, currently under construction.

Since its arrival in 1988, STS Young Endeavour has been a home for more than 15,000 young Australians to develop resilience, confidence, and teamwork through life at sea. 

Throughout its 37-year history, the ship has sailed thousands of nautical miles, visited many ports across the nation, and represented Australia abroad on voyages across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Andrew Leupen, said the moment was both nostalgic and exciting.

“It’s the end of an era for a ship that has shaped the lives of generations of young Australians. Everywhere we’ve sailed on this circumnavigation, we’ve met people who shared stories of their voyage —whether it was thirty years ago or just last year,” LCDR Leupen said.

“For our youth crew, sailing around Australia has been a chance to learn a little bit about themselves, what they are capable of and just how resilient they really are. While this may be the ship’s final circumnavigation, her spirit of adventure and leadership development will live on in the next vessel,” he said. 

STS Young Endeavour (I) will continue to sail in 2026, with final voyages planned along the east coast of Australia before the ship is retired.

LCDR Leupen said the program’s next chapter will build on a proud legacy.

“The new vessel will give more young Australians the chance to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Those of us who have sailed in Young Endeavour (I) will always know we were part of something truly special—this ship has been more than steel and sails, she’s been a classroom, a challenge, and a home to thousands,” he said.

While the voyage may be over for the youth crew who arrived into Sydney Harbour today, there are more adventures on the horizon for young Australians. 

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme recently announced youth development voyages to be delivered on the east coast of Australia during 2026.

Applications are now open to Australian youth aged 16‑23. Financial assistance is available for eligible youth. 

For more information or to apply to join a voyage in STS Young Endeavour, visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au. 

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