Youth Development Adventure Under Sail

See what our trainees had to say

From Voyage 1

To Windeward Bound Trust from Alessio Juen

 I would like to thank you for the support and opportunity to embark on such and amazing experience and adventure of a lifetime. This here is just feedback with some things about my voyage. And thank you again. When I first was told about this trip, I thought this would be an awesome adventure where everything would be exactly as what it turned out. The one thing I didn’t expect was to get seasick as I had been on boats before, but it must have just been different as for whatever reason the first night we were out in the open ocean I threw up and felt sick as a dog. So other than the sea sickness I believe it was somewhat, what I expected with a couple twist and turns. From this voyage/trip I have learnt so many new things that I don’t think I would learn anywhere else in such a short time; I’ve learnt everything from new knots to how to hoist a particular sail to navigating and planning the ships course as an acting first mate. Of course, I have learnt much more, but this trip has taught me so many new things which I can use more than just on a ship, and I can go away from this voyage saying I have learnt for life. Through the voyage I believe that everything went well, and I enjoyed everything about it, I reckon that all the staff/crew were amazing and without them I don’t think it would have gone so well.  They kept on top of us guiding and ensuring things went well and smooth. The crew were teaching and showing us how to navigate, set the sails, cook and how to run the ship and not to forget how to tie knots. This voyage in my eyes was amazing for everyone and we all got along in this small space. Even being in different watches didn’t affect our friendship or experience in a negative way.  I also know that from this, we as sailing trainees, have made lifelong friend who maybe not be in the same state or country but in contact and thoughts together. 

Overall, I think that this was one crazy trip and an awesome experience and story I can talk about forever, so in conclusion it was extraordinary, and I would do it all over again.
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Dear Windeward Bound,

About a month has passed since my trip on the Windeward bound, and I can now confidently declare that the memories and lessons I learned will always be treasured. I was a member of the Red Watch under the outstanding leadership of Deckie Pat and Leader Chole. I loved learning more about the unique and entertaining members of the Red Watch as I travelled.

 I was amazed by how well I handled everything on this trip, including the dreaded 12 am to 4 am shift, the hectic timetable, and the demanding jobs. I completed every job that was entrusted to me with patience and care. My watch did well on the last day's activity and when we had to handle all the tasks necessary to get the boat ready and on the move or keeping the ship safe when we were anchored, thanks to my fantastic team. Our trip was fortunate since the weather wasn't too severe, the waves weren't too bad when we passed through the Bass Strait, and we were lucky to witness various species, including many dolphins, almost every day. My highlights from the wildlife were the fish flying into the galley, the sleeping seals, and being able to see the bioluminescence in the ocean. My team fared well when learning all the ropes, knots, and calls for the sails.

 I hope to remember much of what I have learned on this voyage, and as a result of reflecting on my journal entries from my travels, I can better recall the lessons I had learnt on my journey. On this trip, I learned much about the boat, navigation, and some sailing history, but also about constant hard labour and teamwork. I also recall some of the calls and instructions required to raise or lower a sail.  One thing that really stuck with me was how everyone respected one another and learned ways to do so, like cleaning up after themselves and getting ready for the next watch, arriving on time for your watch so that the other watch can get some rest, and being conscious of your water usage and the needs of those around you.

 I personally anticipated the struggles that might occur when taking the Windeward bound to Sydney. I was psychologically prepared for what lay ahead, knowing this might occasionally be challenging, and having this mindset helped me in the long term. I can proudly state that the trip exceeded my expectations! Aboard the whole, my voyage aboard the Windeward Bound was entertaining, motivational, unforgettable, and wicked. I wholeheartedly endorse anyone considering joining the crew and signing up, especially those who want to be pushed and have a lifetime experience.

 Maykala Lobley

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From Voyage 2

Comments from Riley Cooley. 

What went well?·  The ship went well.·   It made it to Brisbane in high seas.·  Making new friends.·  Climbing up the mast   Lots of food that was yummy.

  Learning new things; Tying knots Navigation   Learning how to do shifts  Team work  to mingle 

What have you learned? Navigation and marker buoys  Tying ropes  People and making friends  Climb aloft   Rigging sails up and down  Different winds  Reading charts  Driving the ship Learning songs.

Was it what you expected? Yes, it was and much more than I expected.  I loved every minute of the journey.  I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was lots of fun and enjoyable.  

Spread the word!  All of the high school has heard about the voyage. Some of my Dads friends wants to get their kids on a voyage, they took down the details. We are about to travel around to the other PCYC in the area to do a show and tell about the voyage.

Who would enjoy a voyage? Definitely my brother would.  Nana and Pop would do a short trip around the Harbour.

Join the crew?    I would so love to be a volunteer aboard the Windeward Bound Ship.

Kind Regards Glen Cooley

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From Voyage 3

Post-voyage reflection - Rylee Taylor

What went well? I would say everything went well, not really knowing what it would be like on a boat out at sea for 9 days. And it just so happened to be sunny the whole trip which was an amazing plus.

What have I learned? Communication and Teamwork.

When on the boat communication and team work played a big part in our days. For example when we would brace the sails if we didn’t communicate with each other we wouldn’t be able to know if someone had tied their brace or hauled it in, and if we didn't use team work we wouldn't be able to scrub the deck in half an hour. Which was a big deal because we were very hungry!!

Was it what I expected? Going into this experience, I didn't know what to expect. It was all a big surprise. So was it what I expected? I don't know but I know I definitely enjoyed it and want t to do it again sometime later in life.

Join the Windeward Bound crew?

Although the trip was amazing I don't think I would want to become a part of the Windeward Bound crew, though I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would do it again. I just found that being on the water full time wasn't my cup of tea.

Spread the word!

I highly recommend it!

People should definitely do the journey at least once in their life. It was an amazing experience and you got to learn so much about how to sai l a boat, the participants and the Windeward Bound volunteers were amazing the whole trip. Genuinely getting to experience what it is really like out at sea was amazing, especially being able to see all the wildlife, like the dolphins, whales, turtles, sea snakes and birdlife.

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From Voyage 7

Windward bound

When I first sent off my application to come on the voyage, my full intentions were to gain leadership skills and develop my teamwork skills, but, afterwards, as I sit here and really soak it all in, I’ve now realised it’s so much more than just that.

Within the 9 days on-board I experienced things I never thought I’d get to. If someone were to simply ask me “what was your favourite thing about the boat trip?” I wouldn’t ever be able to sum it all up into one simple answer.

My favourite thing was meeting amazing new people, laughing with them and cherishing the moments we spent together.

My favourite thing was climbing up the mast, bawling my eyes out, terrified, but continuing because I knew it’d be worth it. Over coming my fear, facing challenges.

My favourite thing was watching shooting stars graze the night sky.

My favourite thing was the silly dances we shared each morning muster.

My favourite thing was winning a rope race, competing, and even just learning how to tie new knots.

My favourite thing was the delicious meals Kate cooked us everyday.

My favourite thing was learning how to set sail.

My favourite thing was steering a boat.

My favourite thing was travelling somewhere new.

My favourite thing was watching dolphins splash around the front of the boat. The excitement everyone shared, the pure joy set in everyone’s eyes and smiles.

My favourite thing was whale spotting.

My favourite thing was trying not to hit my head as I got up every morning.

My favourite thing was watching the sun sink away and rise again the next morning, in a misty pallet of colour, masking the plain blue sky in such delicate clouds, full of warm sunlight, like a giant hug from afar.

My favourite things forever and ever lead on, I could probably fill an entire book.

But within each of my favourites, I had struggles, I had fears.

I had also, been influenced.

Within this journey I’ve learnt over a trillion things. I’ve learnt how to work as a team, I’ve learnt and developed leadership skills, but, I also learnt how to stay tough in harder times. I learnt to be brave. I learnt to push myself past my comfort zone. I’ve learnt and experienced so much more than I ever ever expected. I’ve been influenced to become the better parts of myself, and I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunity I took on, even more grateful I was given it.

This voyage is an experience I’ll never forget, and one I’ll forever carry in my heart.

Windward bound is so much more then what the description states in their posts. I’ll miss it with my entire heart.

Thankyou Windward bound.

-Avril Shaw

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Voyage 8

This is the conclusion of an amazing reflection by one of our trainees

Name: Joanna Mahuru Age: 24 Gender: Female Occupation: Virtual Assistant From Port Moresby

In the wake of this transformative leadership sailing program, I find myself both humbled and invigorated by the depths of knowledge and personal growth it has offered. This voyage has been nothing short of a revelation, not only in terms of sailing expertise but also in the realm of leadership, teamwork, and self-discovery.

 As I reflect on the challenges we faced and the lessons we learned under the vast expanse of open skies and open water, it is evident that this experience has not only equipped me with valuable nautical skills but has also imbued me with a deeper understanding of leadership and the power of collaboration.

 The art of sailing, with its intricate rigging, navigation, and seamanship, has become a metaphor for life itself—a dynamic journey marked by adaptability, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. The interplay of wind and waves, the teamwork required to hoist and trim sails, and the navigation through unforeseen challenges have all contributed to a holistic understanding of leadership, where communication, decisiveness, and trust are the guiding stars.

 This journey, marked by resistance turned resonance, serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences lie just beyond our comfort zones. As I carry the lessons and memories of this program forward into my future endeavours, I do so with a heart brimming with gratitude for the opportunities for growth and self-discovery it has provided.

 I wholeheartedly recommend this program to all young individuals seeking a transformative journey that transcends the ordinary. This program, which blends leadership development with the thrill of maritime adventure, has the power to shape not only your future but also your character.

 With wind in my sails, I eagerly anticipate the next adventure, wherever it may lead.

 Joanna Mahuru

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Voyage 11

Parent feedback - 
The programme is amazing.  Our family watched the documentary the week before Brandon sailed out so we had a little clue what he was going to be doing. 
Watching the documentary showed us so much more than just what the teens would be doing.  The programme & the purpose to the trip was an inspiration & we were sure Brandon would have a great time, 
& come away with some great experiences & personal growth.  No doubt that will come. 
We loved it for him & would recommend it to anyone that is able too, to give it a go. 

Cheers & thanks,
Mandy Fell  

Michael Garrard

What went well? Everyone worked so well together, and there was always someone there when you needed it. It was a very supportive place, and no one really judged. The learning was amazing, and the content was entirely maximised, with every opportunity to learn taken into account. I was impressed with how many methods were used to teach, weather it was visual, audible or practical. The food onboard was so much better than I had expected, and I quickly came to love mealtimes almost as much as bedtime! 

What have you learned?  Discipline and appreciation for the small things for sure, but also some larger things like social skills and responsibilities, and a voice of leadership. Technology is far more restricting than it is empowering. So much freedom is actually quite limiting, and it boxes your thoughts into the constraints of others opinions instead of forming your own thoughts and ideas.·         Opportunities come and go rather quickly, and sometimes what begins as an opportunity can sometimes turn into something much larger, a beginning of sorts.

Was it what you expected? Both yes and no I think. In a lot of aspects, it was, the climbing, the knots, the routines, but also there were things I didn’t expect. The food was much better than I could have ever thought, the people were a lot more empathic and connecting, each and every individual ready to learn with no complaints.  There was also so much more free time, and the weather was better than I thought, with opportunities to deck nap quite frequently. And the whales too, I wasn’t expecting so many, it was quite the pleasant surprise.

Post-voyage reflection Windeward Bound 11/2023

They say you get culture shock when you go back home from an exchange year. I think I got culture shock when I got back from Windeward Bound the amazing tall ship. Windeward Bound, oh, how to explain? I think the only way of fully understand how it was is by been there yourself. We came as a bunch of 17 different people and went home with 16 new friends and an experience for life.

We were going to sail from Devenport to Hobart. When we came, we were parted into groups, red (known by “medium stay”), white (known by “slay”), and blue (the singing group). I was Blue. We learned about safety and how the toilet worked. The first night on our night watch, we came up with personal and group coals. One of mine was to see a whale.

We started getting into the routine. Waking up at 0000 or 0400, when we were eating and flush the toilet for 30 sec. When we Saturday sailed out of Devenport port it was with excitement among all of us. The first 24 hours was probably the worst, many spewed and felt sick but after that we were all ready for the adventure.

Each day we had morning brief where we had our rope races. One person from each watch should compete in knots and in the start, it was safety equipment and as we became more familiar with the ship it became all the lines there is. I found out I was really good at knots. Sometimes I learned the knots and then helped with teaching the other in my watch. My favourite is probably the flying bowline, but it’s not a real knot it just looks cool.

I got my coal/wish fulfilled. I saw the whale, actually a pod of whales. We saw dolphins glowing in the water. I saw the Milky Way and I don’t think I have ever seen so many stars. It was such a magnificent wonder. And I got to see some really beautiful nature along the Tasmania east coast.

I was asked a week before if I wanted to go on this trip, so I hadn’t given myself the time to make the big expectations. But it was so much more than the things I had thought about. I had thought I was going to be sicker, but it was a pretty short period of time for me. And I actually thought it would be worse going ashore than it was. I didn’t swing as much as I expected.

What have I learned? It could take the hole day to write it all down. I have learned to tie knots, set sails, steer a ship, there is much more behind the surface than I know, be curious, how much phones distract us, how easy it is to make friends when you live with them, a lot more about Tasmania, some people are just amazing, don’t take things for granted, the world is beautiful and a lot more things.

My watch became like a family to me. We ate together. We were up at 2am doing watch together. We cleaned the ship together. And we just had fun together. We became known as the singing watch. And that was often mentioned in our wakie wakie songs. Which is always a good way to wake up. The singing was a good way to keep me awake in the long hours doing the night. And I’m grateful for our watch-leader Aaron for making it a lot more fun. I’m actually unaware of how the other watches did it without him. And when I’m saying this, wow Gen, (our 2nd deckie) she learned the things next to us and still managed to lead us when Aaron wasn’t there.

Thank you so much for this experience. I feel like I have got a family there. We all went through it together and it really did something to us as a group.

-          Carla Petersen (Voyage - 6-15/10-23) and an exchange student (with rotary) from Denmark

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If you would like to find our more information phone 0418 120 399 or 0438 120 599 or email office@windewardbound.com.au

Rotary International and Sail Training International

Sail Training International, which the Windeward Bound is a member of and Rotary International share the common aims of encouraging youth development which supporting efforts towards international friendship and understanding. STAR stands for Sail Training and Rotary and is the title of the Sail Training International initiative to enhance collaborations ranging from Rotary Club sponsorship of trainees sailing on tall ships, to projects undertaken jointly by Rotary clubs and host ports.

If you are a Rotary Club, community group or organisation interested in supporting this project please email office@windewardbound.com.au to find out more!

BACK ASHORE: Lily Watson, 17, Molly Gudgeon, 14 and her sister Jovi Gudgeon, 17 are back from their adventures at sea aboard the Windeward Bound sailing ship. Pic: KAREN SIMMONS

The majestic Windeward Bound sailing ship has finally sailed on from Gladstone and left behind some incredible memories for a group of local teenagers who spent nine days onboard at sea. 16 local 14 to 17 year-olds embarked on Voyage 6 on Saturday 15 July, which sailed from Gladstone to Middle Percy Island.While around 15 teens headed south on July 28 for Voyage 7, which sailed from Gladstone to Southport on the Gold Coast.

The Windeward Bound Trust and Rotary International joined together to continue their special leadership development program to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia this year and its support for the development of Young Australians.

The celebratory voyages began in April, where on each 9-day voyage, around 18 young Australians join Captain Sarah Parry AM and her crew aboard the Internationally award-winning Sail Training Brigantine, to sail along the East Coast.

Gladstone girls and lifelong school friends Lily Watson and Jovi Gudgeon had no idea each other were nominated by local Rotary clubs to experience the sailing expedition. Jovi’s grandpa and Rotarian, Ian Gudgeon had nominated her and her sister Molly Gudgeon, while Port Curtis Rotary Club member and yachtsman David Taylor nominated Lily. 17-year-old Lily and Jovi both enjoyed their adventure to Middle Percy Island, but sea sickness did dampen spirits for a couple of days there.“I found it pretty challenging the first few days because I was vomiting,” Jovi shared. “I was the only one to get sick sick on the way home – on the second last day,” Lily added. “At the start we anchored just outside of Gladstone, so we could see home but not go home – it made us a bit homesick.” Molly said she didn’t get sea sick or sea-legs, but she did get emotional over her time away from family. The girls learnt rope skills, leadership skills, cooking, how to endure only one 30-second shower the entire trip and how to scrub a deck clean from vomit! There was also no technology allowed so in their spare time away from their mobile phones the girls found they reached out to connect with others and forge new friendships.

Lifelong Yachtsman and Brisbane-to-Gladstone Yacht Race competitor David Taylor said the Rotary clubs in Gladstone sponsor the young people and Rotary help the kids to raise money to put towards their trip. “The voyages are a great opportunity for youth development and for a kid to have the adventure of a lifetime,” David said.“They get to climb the rigging and learn to sail the old ships.” “I had a look down below deck and where they slept it was really quite confined – they would have had to learn how to live with other people.”

The Windeward Bound Trust’s 2023 East Coast Youth Leadership Challenge is a working partnership with Rotary Districts 9830 and 9620 that will receive support from the Rotary Clubs along the East Coast of Australia.

The program promotes understanding, inclusiveness, and community by bringing together young people of vastly different backgrounds for a nine-day voyages and giving them the opportunity to connect and grow with one another in both the short and long term.