Sea pup ready for life on waves

By Dion Teasdale
A HEALESVILLE High School student has found his sea legs and is aiming for a career in the navy.
Year 11 student Zachary Jackson has his sights on a life at sea after returning from a five-day voyage on the sailing ship, Young Endeavour.
Zachary was one of 23 young Australians selected to take part in the expedition, which departed from Station Pier in Port Melbourne on 14 March.
Zachary sailed through Port Phillip Bay and out into Bass Strait, and visited Mornington and Geelong before returning to Port Melbourne.
Zachary participated in the voyage as part of Healesville High School’s Student Engagement program that aims to connect students to leadership opportunities in the wider community.
A sailing enthusiast, who had previously sailed on Port Phillip Bay with his father Paul, Zachary described the experience as ‘the most fantastic adventure’ of his life.
“It was an amazing experience. At one point, we faced 50-knot winds with the waves breaking over the edge of the ship, even though we were still in Port Phillip Bay,” he said.
Zachary said highlights of the voyage were seeing seals and schools of dolphins swimming near the ship, and being visited by the coast guard and navy warships.
“We coped with living in close quarters and learnt to navigate and steer the ship,” he said.
“Every aspect of sailing a tall ship was covered, from tying knots to manning the helm.”
Zachary said the Young Endeavour, Britain’s bicentennial gift to Australia in 1988, is a 44-metre-long tall ship that was purpose built for sail training.
“The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is a Commonwealth Government project and the ship is staffed by the Royal Australian Navy,” he said.
“Anyone can apply to participate in a voyage. A ballot system ensures that every eligible young Australian has the same chance to be chosen.”
Zachary said the program encouraged participants to discover new reserves of character, confidence, teamwork and leadership.
“This is an experience that I can recommend to everyone. You won’t believe what you are capable of achieving,” he said.
“I found the experience helped me build leadership skills and improve my communication skills.
“It has also helped me realised that I’d like to pursue a career in the Navy.”
Zachary said the experience would not have been possible without strong support from the school and the wider community.