Durras teenager Rhys Macdonnell will set sail on the Young Endeavour 28 years after his Mother, Carolyn Morey, sailed the ship to Australia on its maiden voyage as a 20-year-old.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Rhys is the first descendant of an original ‘youth crew’ member to embark on a voyage with the Young Endeavour, a ship used for training voyagers for youth aged 16-23.
Rhys’s journey will be a sentimental one for his Mum.
“What Rhys is doing now is what I was involved in the beginnings of,” Ms Morey said.
The 16-year-old Batemans Bay High School student is due to set sail on Thursday, June 16 for an 11-day trip from Brisbane to Gladstone on what his Mum describes as a “lean, mean sailing machine”.
Rhys has never sailed before but comes from a self-proclaimed adventure family and has always loved the water.
“We’re all about people getting into the outdoors and enjoying themselves,” Ms Morey said.
A sense of adventure and encouragement from his Mum, prompted Rhys to apply for the trip.
“Why limit yourself by not taking opportunities?,” he said.
“You might as well apply for everything and if you only get into some things, make the best of it.”
Rhys feels that the journey is significant for him and his Mum.
“Its as much her dream as it is mine to get on the boat. She feels that she wants to complete the circle,” he said.
Although the trip will be very different to hers, Ms Morey is excited for Rhys to share an understanding of her journey.
“The ocean has continued to be an important part of my life since that adventure all those years ago and I’m thrilled that Rhys will experience something of life at sea,” she said.
Ms Morey has advised her son take advantage of the downtime and to rest when he can when on board.
Both are pleased to have missed the recent East Coast Low that swept the coast.
Ms Morey hopes her son will challenge himself and have fun at the same time.
“Its about teamwork, making new friends and learning new skills,” she said.
