Young adventurers wanted!

One of Australia’s great sailors and adventurers, Don McIntyre, is on the hunt for youth sailors who dare to dream of one day sailing around the world. With mentoring from young solo sailor Jessica Watson, they can now make that dream come true.

Our mate Don, who supplied the S&S34 to kick start Watson’s own successful campaign to sail solo and non-stop around the world at 16, now hopes to do it again. But with a twist. 

McIntyre has just purchased a world-class 10.5mtr ocean voyaging yacht — the Tradewinds 35 pictured in Sydney — for this adventure. He will give the keys to the first one or two sailors who he believes could safely circumnavigating the globe (with stopovers).

"This is not about records, or firsts, but all about adventure and real life, through a 'Voyage of Imagination,'" said McIntyre. "Here’s a chance for competent young sailors, with passion, to test themselves, explore new horizons, engage the natural world and maybe even influence and inspire others in the process."

Potential candidates need to be at least 16 years old and no older than 21 on May 2, 2015,  when the voyage sets out from Sydney. 

With the freedom to stop anywhere and set their own course during the west-about 25,000 mile circumnavigation, they will experience new cultures and explore isolated anchorages. 

Departing Australia via Darwin, exotic ports may include, Cocos, Mauritius, Cape Town, St Helena, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Galapagos, Marquesas, Tahiti, Tonga and Fiji, before returning to Sydney 19 months later, in November 2016.

McIntyre is excited about Watson assisting the selected crew. Watson is currently studying Media and Communications and will mentor the crew on all aspects of the voyage. 

"I really hope there’s some cool young people out there who realise what an amazing opportunity this is," said Jessica Watson. "They don’t need to be racing sailors, just sailors dedicated enough to put the preparation and energy in."

McIntyre, who circumnavigated the world Solo in the 1990 BOC Challenge Yacht Race, thought up the idea for this new 'youth' adventure as a way to celebrate his 60th Birthday next year. 

Over the past 25 years, McIntyre has supported many solo sailors and young adventures. In 2012, he was presented with the Australian Geographic Society’s highest honour, a gold medal  for a Lifetime of Adventure, only the 12th time it had ever been awarded.

Currently based in the Kingdom of Tonga searching for Spanish Galleons and exploring 18th century wrecks, McIntyre believes that any activity with an unknown outcome is the true definition of adventure.

"Riding a bike for the first time, stepping into your first kayak, or even running your first small business are all adventures," said McIntyre.

 "Unfortunately, society and parents often wrap kids in cotton wool, categorise them and push them to be normal. They need freedom to explore and take risks. Adventuring is life’s best educator. Australia needs young people who make good value judgments, have confidence in themselves, communicate effectively and are responsible risk takers. Adventure will give them those skills."

Long-time adventure partner and friend Margie McIntyre will manage the project, overseeing logistics and act as 'expedition headquarters' during the voyage, maintaining a link to the young sailors.

"This could be a lot of fun," said Margie McIntyre. "It has the potential to be a life-changing experience, so I hope we get a couple of real characters." 

This Voyage of Imagination will be covered comprehensively on the web, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Applications are now open for young sailors. Details are at www.McIntyreAdventure.com .