Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Teen swaps 420s for Brigantine

by Young Endeavour 29 Mar 2019 23:38 PDT
Crew member Henry Johnston prepares the main sail aboard the STS Young Endeavor as the ship sails on Sydney Harbour for Australia Day © ABIS Shane Cameron

Sailing on a 40 metre tall ship is a little different to sail an international 420, So when Sandringham Yacht Clun awarded Henry Johnstone a Young Endeavour Scholarship funded by the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race, the 17 year old jumped at the chance.

Henry is in the Victorian 420 team joined the ship in Melbourne, and as part of a 27 strong youth crew, had to meet all the challenges of sailing a square rigged tall ship.

Over the 11-day voyage the youth crew learnt how to navigate, keep watch, cook in the galley, set and furl sails, climb the 30 metre mast and take the helm. For the final leg of the voyage, the youth crew elected a command team who had to sail the ship into her final destination, Sydney.

With over 10 years sailing experience, Henry was already up to speed with sail theory and helming, however he said there were some new skills to acquire.

"The biggest difference between the 420s and Young Endeavour are the square sails and the size. Young Endeavour is 40 metres long and has a steel hull, so it's obviously a lot heavier," Henry said.

The brigantine boasts a total sail span of 740 square metres, compared to the 420s downwind sail area of 19 square metres.

"On board Young Endeavour, you work in large teams and everything is done by hand. This develops your teamwork and leadership skills," Henry said.

"At Sandringham Yacht Club I instruct and coach, so I'll definitely take back some ideas about how to work cohesively in a large team.

Aside from picking up new skills, Young Endeavour is an adventure. Henry said he had a few highlights.

"I went into the voyage knowing it was different to what I was used to. I've been pretty consistent with my training for the 420s, so it's been really good to shake things up. I've found it really interesting."

"I loved climbing the mast. We did it the first night in Melbourne and I really enjoyed checking out the city skyline," Henry said.

"I also loved helming. We had a lightening storm that I helmed through which was pretty crazy."

So would Henry recommend a voyage on Young Endeavour to other young sailors?

"It's definitely something that other young people would benefit from. It's not just the sailing, the program is over 30 years old and they've got in nailed down to a precise art. Everyone on board really enjoyed it and got a lot out of the trip."

"Getting to know everyone on board and experiencing communal living was also heaps of fun," Henry said.

Related Articles

J/105 North American Championship overall
Randy's Hecht's Niuhi three-peats as champion In the finale of the J/105 North American Championship, Randy Hecht claimed victory for the third time, with crew Russ Silvestri, Ethan Doyle, Maggie Bacon, David Janinis and Stephen Marsh. Posted today at 3:26 am
New trophy for 2025 Six Metre Worlds
Presented by HM King Juan Carlos of Spain The Opening Ceremony for the 2025 International Six Metre Open and Classic World Championships saw the 29 participating teams from nine nations gather on the waterside lawn of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club. Posted today at 3:08 am
David Porter, King of Sydney Harbour in the 1970s
During one of the greatest eras in the 134-year history of the 18ft Skiff class During a 10-year career in the 18s from 1970-71 to 1979-80, inclusive, Dave Porter won the 1975 World Championship, three Australian and five NSW (State) championships as well as numerous club championships. Posted today at 12:51 am
SailGP: Australia on top in Geneva- Day 1
The Flying Roos (AUS) top of the leaderboard, after the first day of racing in SailGP Switzerland. The Flying Roos sit on top of the leaderboard, after the first day of racing in SailGP Switzerland. This was the first test of the new light air foils, and three races were sailed, all completed within the time limits. Posted today at 12:35 am
Another win for MACIF Santé Prévoyance
Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar victorious in Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération The British skipper Sam Goodchild, who was a key part of the crew on Biotherm that won The Ocean Race Europe, followed up with victory in the two-handed Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomération 48 Hours race today. Posted on 20 Sep
Team Malizia ends on a high
Boris Herrmann's team fourth in The Ocean Race Europe After five legs, over 4,500 nautical miles, and six weeks of intense offshore racing, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 concluded today in Boka Bay, Montenegro. Team Malizia delivered a strong performance, climbing the overall leaderboard to finish fourth. Posted on 20 Sep
A podium finish for Holcim-PRB
Team showed drive, consistent performance and commitment in The Ocean Race Europe After six weeks of racing, Holcim-PRB sailed its final race of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 today in Montenegro. With a third-place finish in the coastal race in Boka Bay, the Swiss boat secured a spot on the podium, claiming the bronze medal. Posted on 20 Sep
15th Défi Azimut - Acceleration and extension
Sleep? Dream on! The numerous videos posted by the OBRs (On-Board Reporters) on the Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération server this morning testify to the infinite patience and the depth of talent required by the crews to make the Occidentale de Sein. Posted on 20 Sep
Rooster Outlet deals during the boat show
More lines, more sizes, and bigger savings, even if you're not visiting Southampton The Southampton International Boat Show is officially underway, and we're excited to be there showcasing the latest Rooster kit alongside some unmissable deals. If you're visiting SIBS, make sure to come and see us at stand no W062. Posted on 20 Sep
BONDS Flying Roos in pole position in Geneva
Day 1 of Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix The BONDS Flying Roos top the event leaderboard with 25 points after opening day in Geneva. All 12 international teams battled shifty, light conditions, with those able to stay up on the foils and nail the maneuvers finding themselves still in the hunt. Posted on 20 Sep
PredictWind - Wave Routing 728x90 BOTTOMRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERSelden 2020 - FOOTER