When Tiffanie Bulstrode (née Cowan) heard a radio ad on her way to university in 1987, she had no idea it would change the course of her life.
Riding her bike through Adelaide with a Sony Walkman in her pocket, she heard the callout: "Do you want to be tired, uncomfortable and nauseous? Apply to sail a tall ship from England to Australia."
For most, it might have sounded like a deterrent. For Tiffanie, it sounded like an adventure.
"I thought, 'Sounds better than studying', so I applied," she said.
That decision saw the then-19-year-old chosen as one of just 24 Australian and British youth, selected from more than 8000 applicants, to join the delivery crew of the brand-new Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour.
Together, the youth would sail the 14,000-mile journey from England to Australia, via the Canary Islands, Rio de Janeiro, Tristan da Cunha and Cape Town.
A whirlwind beginning
Tiffanie recalled the months in the UK before departure as a whirlwind of preparations and social engagements.
"I remember bending on the square sails, installing bunks and running all the rigging," she said.
"We attended garden parties at Buckingham Palace and manned the yardarms as we came alongside the Tower of London. Prince Phillip took the helm as we sailed from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.
"A particular highlight for me was meeting Sir David Attenborough."
Lessons at sea
Life on board was not a holiday for the delivery crew. For Tiffanie and other members, seasickness was a constant companion.
But the hardships were exactly what made the voyage transformative.
"That voyage changed my life in so many ways," Tiffanie said.
"I learned that I loved being out on the ocean; that I did not like the nausea, discomfort or lack of sleep. But I also learned that I could overcome these challenges and push my perceived limits.
"I gained great personal insight and created lifelong bonds with fellow crewmates.
"My experience on Young Endeavour gave me the courage to set off on my own sailing adventure with my husband some five years later."
A legacy of giving back
Nearly four decades on, Tiffanie continues to be deeply connected with Young Endeavour - not just as a former crew member, but as a benefactor.
Through her family's trust, The Cowan Grant, the family has funded 25 scholarships since 2008, giving other young Australians the chance to embark on their own life-changing voyage.
"My grandparents believed in the benefits of tertiary education," she said.
"My grandfather [was the] Head Librarian at the Barr-Smith Library (University of Adelaide) for 30 years and he struggled financially to put himself through uni. He and my grandmother (who was a teacher) lived frugally, invested wisely and set up The Cowan Grant.
"I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity of living the Young Endeavour experience. I am also grateful to be in a position to give back and enable other young Australians to do the same."
For Tiffanie, sponsoring is about more than supporting a program - it's about believing in youth.
"It's a vote of confidence in our youth and in our future," she said.
Tiffanie explained that if you want to encourage young people to challenge themselves, grow their confidence and bond as a cohesive team, you should give them the gift of a Young Endeavour voyage.
"I would strongly encourage individuals and organisations to become a Young Endeavour sponsor," Tiffanie said.
Full-circle moments
"There is always something special every time I reconnect with Young Endeavour - I relive all the experiences I had," Tiffanie said.
"I think about all the others who have had their own journeys on board and all those who will continue to do so."
Her message to future 'youthies' is simple but heartfelt: "Well done for taking on the challenge. It will change your life."
