On Monday, 16-year-old Alstonville High student Eden Wilson will be boarding a plane bound for Adelaide, then on Tuesday Eden will embark on a trip of a lifetime aboard the Young Endeavour for a 13-day voyage that will take him from Adelaide to Geelong.

While most kids Eden's age will be glued to their mobile phones worrying about school, friends and relationships, Eden, along with twenty-three other 16 to 23-year-olds, will be learning how to sail a square-rigged tall ship, how to navigate, how to set the sails, how to be a leader and more. They will be guided by nine specially trained Royal Australian Navy Staff Crew.

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy. It provides young Australians with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience at sea on board the national sail training ship Young Endeavour.

Since 1988 the scheme has successfully delivered more than 600 youth development voyages, sailed nearly 400,000 nautical miles, welcomed aboard more than 12,000 day sail guests, and embarked more than 14,000 young Australians for a life-changing adventure at sea.

As the Young Endeavour website says, "Be prepared to face your fears, push yourself out of your comfort zone and discover how you rise to challenges. By the end of the voyage, you and your fellow crew will take command of the ship and put your new skills to the test. It’s an adventure like no other."

Eden says he is not really sure what to expect on this unique journey.

"I'm probably more excited than scared. I don't mind heights but I'm not sure what it will be like in a rough sea."

"I’m not really sure what this voyage will lead to. I used to get scared of doing new things but now I know I will probably just have fun."

While Eden's ocean experience is limited to a few tinnie runs and a cruise ship to Papua New Guinea in January 2020, his family does have another tale of adventure.

"My mum's uncle left home when he turned 16 and travelled the world in his own yacht until he was about 60. He taught himself to sail and he used to fix yachts and saved to buy his own yacht. Unfortunately, he’s very sick now but I know he would be happy to know that I’m off to a similar start." 

As all parents would be, Eden's are a little worried.

"I'm very nervous when I saw how high they climb while sailing (the mast) but also very excited for him," his mother Kylie said. 

While his dad Dan said, "I guess everyone goes through that rite of passage. He’s had quite a few experiences in his life already. It will be a challenge for him but I reckon he can handle it."