Tasmania's River Derwent was transported back to the glorious "Age of Sail" during the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart this month.
Cannon fired in celebration and thousands packed the banks of the Derwent to welcome more than 400 wooden vessels and 11 tall ships to mark the beginning of the biennial event, the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
While the HMB Endeavour replica led the parade of sail, third in the line representing Navy was STS Young Endeavour, which is in Tasmania as the naval flagship for the 187th Royal Hobart Regatta.
Commanding Officer Young Endeavour Lieutenant Commander Andrew Leupen said it was an honour to present the ship.
"There's magic in the hardship and beauty of life at sea and these amazing tall ships gracefully showcase that," Lieutenant Commander Leupen said.
"Young Endeavour is unique in this fleet in that we are manned and sustained by the Royal Australian Navy. Bringing the Navy to this event is a privilege and reinforces that our roots run deep in Australia's maritime history."
The sail training ship remained in Hobart for the duration of the festival and played a lead role in Sunday's Royal Hobart Regatta.
While in port, it also received visitors from former youth crew members returning as Young Endeavour ambassadors.
Hobart local Katherine Morrison had never been on a sailing boat before Young Endeavour.
"I was sitting at home last year, really bored and looking for something to do," Ms Morrison said.
"I found the Young Endeavour [program] and it seemed like just such a fun experience."
'There's magic in the hardship and beauty of life at sea and these amazing tall ships gracefully showcase that.'
Having finished her 10-day voyage from Sydney to Eden just two weeks before, she was already itching to return.
"Once you are on board, the crew are so supportive and so nice, you don't feel scared or stressed. When you get on board, you're just excited," Ms Morrison said.
Another Tasmanian Young Endeavour ambassador, Lily Neyland, had never spent time away from her family before her maiden voyage two years ago, but she immediately felt welcome on the ship.
"It seemed a little nerve-racking at the time, but you become such a family on board," Ms Neyland said.
"You're living in such close quarters with everyone."
Since that first voyage, she has completed two journeys and crewed other tall ships across Australia and Asia.
"I've caught the bug after my Young Endeavour voyage," Ms Neyland said.
"I even crossed the equator back in October."
Now at university, she believes her experiences will stay with her for the rest of her life.
"I think being out on the ocean gives you such a different perspective on land and life; I've met such great friends on board," Ms Neyland said.
"I still keep in contact with all of those people, so it is so nice to get back on board and back out on the water again."
Youth sailing voyages are open for all Australians aged 16 to 23 years old. Those wishing to set sail in 2025 can find more information about how to join the crew at: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/apply-now
