International Sail Training Exchanges
ASTO arranges a number of international sail training exchange schemes that are open to the young people who sail with its members.
There is an annual Australian Exchange scheme (see below), which was introduced in 2003 and is available to a young British person who has sailed on an ASTO member vessel. The scholarship funds the selected trainee to travel to Australia and complete two consecutive 10 day voyages on the 44m Australian brigantine Young Endeavour. A young Australian is funded by the Australia-Britain Society (NSW) to travel to UK and sail on board an ASTO member's square-rigger.
ASTO also organise regular exchanges with other National Sail Training Organisations such Canada and Italy for young people who have been nominated by their member organisations. If you are interested in applying for any of these exchanges, please contact the office, but remember you must have sailed on a sail training voyage with an ASTO member first.
UK - Australia Sailing Exchange
ASTO and Young Endeavour
Young Endeavour
(Photo: Janka Bielak)
This scheme, which was introduced in 2003, is an annual scholarship available to a young British person who has sailed on an ASTO member vessel. The scholarship funds the selected trainee to travel to (and from!) Australia and complete two consecutive 10 day voyages on the 44 metre long Australian brigantine Young Endeavour (right). A young Australian is funded by the Australia-Britain Society (NSW) to travel to UK and sail on board an ASTO member's square-rigger. Young Endeavour was a gift from the United Kingdom to the Government and people of Australia to mark the Bicentenary in 1988.
2007 Exchange
The 2007 exchangee from the UK, Ian Nicholls, made full use of his time down under. He sailed with three Sail Training organisations, opening his eyes to new approaches to Sail Training. In addition to his sailing experiences he travelled extensively, taking part in activities ranging from snorkelling to snowboarding. Read his full report.
The Australian exchangee is Rebecca Kuehn (18) from New South Wales.
Selection Procedure and Dates for the 2008 Exchange
- Nominations of potential candidates by member organisations to ASTO by 1st November 2007
- Pre-selection by members of ASTO Board of Directors during December 2007
- Interview panel in London and announcement of selected candidate by end of January 2008
- The voyage normally takes place during the following summer depending upon school, university or work holidays
- Voyage details can be seen at the Young Endeavour website
- ASTO will cover the cost of a return air ticket, insurance and visa for the successful candidate
Criteria for Participation
To be eligible to participate in the scheme the applicant:
- Must be a British citizen
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 25 at the date of the first voyage
- Must have completed a voyage with an ASTO member within the two years prior to selection
- Must be recommended by the ASTO member organisation
- Must be prepared to produce an illustrated report on their experiences of about 400 words suitable for publication by ASTO
- Must be prepared to speak about their experiences at an ASTO or ASTO-member function
ASTO Chairman, Ron Dadswell, introduces Jenny Mellows as the principal guest speaker
at the Sail Training International 2004 Conference in Newcastle. (Photo MAX)