The YOUTH SAILING CHALLENGE is now the fastest growing youth project in Rotary in Australia, and over two hundred teenagers have since 2018 had a life changing experience on board South Australia’s Tall Ship, the ONE AND ALL.

Article by PP Don Will and Project Founder PP David Binks

In just five days at sea these students, with little or no sailing experience, learn the elements of sailing a tall ship, and on the last day, largely unassisted by the vessel’s crew, sail her back into port. Working as a team, participants learn leadership skills and appreciate what they are personally capable of achieving.

May and June 2023 will be particularly exciting as the project expands, and is featured at the Rotary World Convention, where more than 20,000 delegates have the opportunity to learn more about the Youth Sailing Challenge.

To celebrate, two extended seven days voyages between Adelaide and Melbourne have been organised, and both are at capacity, with 24 novice sailors on each voyage. The ONE AND ALL sails from Port Adelaide (Dock 2) at 9am on Friday 19 May, and is due into Docklands in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon, May 25. The second voyage leaves Docklands at 9am Sunday 4 June and back to Port Adelaide on Saturday 10 June. https://youthsailing.com.au/2023-rotary-international-convention-melbourne-australia/

For the first time, around a third of participants on these voyages are sponsored by Victorian Rotary Clubs as other states hear of the success of Youth Sailing Challenges. We expect other states will follow in the next year or so. Find out more https://youthsailing.com.au/ and access the video under the Convention heading.

During the Convention, the ONE AND ALL will be conducting daytime and twilight cruises. Very few people have ever had such an opportunity, so it is little wonder bookings for the “Tall Ship Experience” are filling up fast. This ‘tour’ is part of the official program for the Convention. Alumni of the Youth Sailing Challenge will be on board during these cruises to speak with Rotarian members from around the world about their personal experience and the lessons they have learned. In the future this South Australia program could go international.

Want to be part of this? Book your tickets today at this link: https://rotarymelbourne2023.org/tours/rotary-tall-ship-experience/rotary-hosts-you-on-tall-ships-experience

Tall Ship Experience voyages are from Docklands Wharf sailing down the Yarra River towards Port Phillip Bay, observing Melbourne landmarks from a unique vantage point. Guests will have an opportunity to talk with the crew. A commentary of points of interest will be in English.

Inclusions:

• Daytime sails; 2.5 hours duration, morning tea or light lunch served
• Sunset cruises; 3-hour duration, light evening meal served from the galley, and also appreciate the magical city lights as they return to the wharf. Local wines and beers from cash bar.