FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has encouraged young people in the Electorate to enter a ballot for the 2015 Young Endeavour World Voyage now open for young Australians aged 18 to 30.

With crews of 24 youth and twelve Royal Australian Navy staff, the ship will sail the Roaring Forties, across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Mediterranean and North Seas, across the English Channel and around the Cape of Good Hope.

The Royal Australian Navy crew will teach participants how to sail a square-rigged vessel, including how to navigate, keep watch, take the helm, cook in the galley, tie knots, work aloft and even take command, while representing Australia at events such as the annual international Tall Ship Races and Anzac Centenary Commemorations.

Mr Joyce said for the chance to set sail in Young Endeavour, interested youth should apply for the ballot and get involved.

He said the Young Endeavour Program has been recognised internationally as a leading youth development program for over 25 years, developing teamwork, leadership, communication, resilience and a sense of community responsibility amongst hundreds of young Australians each year,” he said.

The World Voyage ballot is open from 1-30 September 2014. Young Endeavour will set sail from Sydney on 22 December 2014 for the 12-month world voyage.

For more information about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages aboard STS Young Endeavour, visit http://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/2015/