Life changing, that’s how 17-year-old William Brazier has described his 10-day voyage on the Young Endeavour.
The Faulconbridge teen, who is about to start a law and commerce degree at the University of Notre Dame, returned in late January from the voyage from Melbourne to Sydney on the tall ship.
“It was inspiring. It was physically challenging to one extent climbing up and down the rigging. You can start with not much knowledge ... but if you [back] yourself you can conquer anything,” William said.
One of 21 young people selected to sail on the training ship, William said he had expanded upon the sailing skills he had been building upon since age 15.
Several members of his family enjoy sailing, including one of his brothers, Dr Andrew Brazier, who will attempt to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean on a 10m boat.
The 27-year-old will depart Sydney on February 25 on the three-month journey to Los Angeles, in aid of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
He will face 10m high waves and up to 100km/h winds in his 15,000km (8000 nautical mile) journey. Reading Joshua Slocum’s book Sailing Alone Around the World at age eight, inspired a love of sailing in the youngster. See www.aloneinthepacific.com for more information.
While William said he “wouldn’t rule out” a massive solo voyage such as this, there was “nothing like conquering the ocean.”
It was inspiring. It was physically challenging to one extent climbing up and down the rigging. You can start with not much knowledge ... but if you [back] yourself you can conquer anything.
- William Brazier
On board the Young Endeavour he was named the sail master for the day, which saw him take responsibility for setting the sails the entire day and night.
“The other side that makes the trip even better is the bond that you create with your fellow youth crew,” William said.
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is a not for profit organisation which provides young Australians aged 16-23 with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience.
The voyages are designed to develop confidence, self-awareness, teamwork, leadership skills and a sense of community responsibility.