Run Away to Sea on the Windeward Bound

The award winning Sail Training Brigantine, Windeward Bound, is heading our way to offer spectacular opportunities for sailing adventures for young and old. “We’re super excited to be welcoming the Windeward Bound to Eden on it’s East Coast journey. The Windeward Bound Trust and Rotary International have joined together to offer a special youth leadership development program to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and of course Pambula Rotary was keen to get behind this wonderful initiative” said Lynne Koerbin, President of Pambula Rotary.

The ship has travelled up the East Coast and is on it’s return journey to Tasmania when it berths in Eden on September 10th. The sail training opportunity on offer involves a 9 day voyage from Eden to Devonport and is open to young people aged 14 –17 years, and the exciting thing is that no sailing experience is necessary! All you need is a sense of adventure and an interest in having a go.

Joining a Youth Development Sail Training Voyage, our young sailors will learn the skills to sail a square-rigged tall ship. They will keep watch and take the helm, help in the galley, learn to navigate using the ship’s charts and climb the 24-metre mast to set and furl the sails. They will learn how to work in a team and learn that teamwork and communication can overcome all obstacles. Windeward Bound is operated by a professional crew who ensure the highest standards of safety and care, and teach the sail trainees everything they need to know for life at sea. 

Each participant will be encouraged to pursue personal and team goals and challenges. By the end of each voyage they will have the skills and confidence to participate in programs and activities they never thought possible.       

Tasmanian West Coast Student Ethan said this about his youth development voyage "It taught me a lot about resilience, dedication, practical thinking and creativity... during the voyage constant changes and 'unknowns' are thrown at the trainees who must adapt and deal with the situation while learning new skills together.. I really loved the challenging aspect which helped me grow as a person and become more independent, responsible and confident." 
The un-subsidised cost of each berth is $2,500 for the 9 days, but the Windeward Bound Trust and Rotary believe no one should have to miss this opportunity because of financial need so if you need a hand to participate, please reach out. This program is fortunate to receive generous financial support from a number of sponsors. As a result, some Bursaries and Scholarships are available to applicants who can demonstrate a financial need.

The 9 day sail training voyage will depart Eden on the 19th September and arrive in Devonport on 27th September inclusive with 11 berths available for young sailing adventurers. If you’re keen to join the voyage, please register as soon as possible via their website at https://www.windewardbound.com.au/ .

While in Eden, there are also day sails on offer on Friday 15^th September and Saturday 16^th September, but book early as places are filling up fast. Here’s the link for bookings:

https://www.windewardbound.com.au/day-sail-bookings-2023-east-coast-voyages-1