Tim Harker's Young Endeavour Sailing

I have recently been given the opportunity of a life time to be one of three young kiwis selected by the Spirit of New Zealand Trust to represent New Zealand on the Australian operated Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. Young Endeavour Youth Scheme allows 21 Australian and three New Zealand’s be at ANZAC Peninsular for the 100th anniversary of ANZAC day in 2015. The criteria for the sailing was that I must have completed a sailing on the Spirit of New Zealand and have a direct relative that served in Gallipoli. The relative of mine that served in Gallipoli was Trevor Stringer. Trevor is my great grandfather, he served with the ANZAC force as part of the Auckland Mounted Rifles. Whilst at Gallipoli he sustained an injury that was caused by shrapnel becoming lodged in his eye, this incident caused him to lose the sight in one of his eyes. Due to the nature of the injury he was sent home from Gallipoli.

I will be sailing on the STS Young Endeavour, the Australian Version of The Spirit of New Zealand. The voyage starts on the 24 of April in Cannakkale and will finish on the 14th of June 2015 in Southampton, United Kingdom. After making our own way to Turkey the trip begins in Cannakkale, where we will sail up to the ANZAC Peninsular the day prior to ANZAC day. Although we are not part of the formal precession on the day it will be a huge honour to represent New Zealand on board the Australian vessel at ANZAC Peninsular. Following the Gallipoli service we will commence a sail training program in the Aegean Sea, sailing through the Dardanelles and across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul before returning to the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, calling at several European ports as we make our way to Gibraltar. We will then leave the coast for the Atlantic Ocean and I will be able to hone my sailing skills as we make our way up the English Channel.

The sailing itself will be an unforgettable experience but being able to be in ANZAC Peninsular for the 100th anniversary ANZAC day, is truly a once in a life time opportunity that cannot be missed. The sailing runs on a scheme that has been used for a number of years. The scheme is used in a way to increase self-awareness, develop teamwork and leadership skills. This sailing will not only allow me to be a part of the 100th anniversary of ANZAC day, but it will allow me to build my character and leadership skills in a way that I will be able to return as a stronger person and enable me to give back to my community.

If you would like to read more about the sailing then you can visit the Young Endeavour web page: www.youngendeavour.gov.au

This is truly a once in a life time opportunity and it will be an experience that I cannot miss. I would be extremely grateful if you were able to help me make it on this voyage.