Growing up fishing on Katherine's rivers and hearing stories of seamanship from their dad, brothers Iain and Ross Sutherland were always drawn to the water.
But it wasn't until they joined the crew of Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour that they truly set sail - on the sea and in life.
Now living outside the Northern Territory, the brothers say their time on board the tall ship changed everything.
As the ship visits Darwin this month - for the first time in nearly a decade - the brothers are urging young Territorians to jump at the opportunity to experience this life-changing adventure.
Iain completed his first voyage in 2022 and returned the following year.
"Mum encouraged me to apply because she could see that I felt school was becoming boring," he said.
"We wanted to get out of Katherine and see something different."
Ross, who sailed from Sydney to Brisbane in early 2025, didn't need much convincing.
"Iain's stories sold it for me. As soon as I turned 15-and-a-half, I applied straight away," Ross said.
"I couldn't wait to get on board. It turned out to be the best thing I've ever done."
Iain said the opportunity broadened his horizons.
"When you're from a small town like Katherine, life can feel pretty routine," he said.
"Young Endeavour shakes that up completely - it shows you what else is out there."
From climbing 30-metre masts to calling midnight tacks during command day, both brothers were pushed out of their comfort zones and embraced the challenges on board.
'You learn to trust people you've just met, and to live closely with people from completely different backgrounds.'
They learnt leadership, resilience and teamwork - often in conditions far removed from that of their outback hometown.
"You learn to trust people you've just met, and to live closely with people from completely different backgrounds," Iain said.
Ross said it opened his eyes to understanding other people's different strengths and how good communication was important for establishing friendships.
"It was confronting at first, but once I learnt how to work with others' strengths, it made everything easier," Ross said.
"Jumping in and speaking up from the start boosted others' confidence and encouraged them to really get involved.
"Because of the environment on board, by day two or three, you're already best mates with your fellow youth crew members. You speak like you have known them for several years."
The pair have stayed in touch with their respective shipmates, highlighting their regular catch ups and future plans to travel together.
"I still talk to people from both my voyages almost every day. We've met up for hikes, concerts and a few other things," Iain said.
Meanwhile Ross, who has only recently participated in the program, talked of future plans for his youth crew friends.
'It's a chance for NT youth to put a face to the stories and realise it's something they can actually do.'
"My crew are planning to travel together after we finish school," he said.
Both brothers are now charting ambitious career paths.
Ross is eyeing a Navy Gap Year via an officer entry pathway, and Iain is studying electrical engineering at university.
But no matter where they go, for the brothers, the Top End remains home, and they're thrilled Young Endeavour is returning there.
"It's so good to see the ship coming to Darwin," Ross said.
"It's a chance for NT youth to put a face to the stories and realise it's something they can actually do."
Iain said a lot of people in the NT didn't leave their communities, and some probably felt like they were stuck.
"This ship can be the door to something bigger. Once you step on board, everything changes," Iain said.
Their advice to NT youth? Don't wait.
"NT people are made for this sort of thing - they're outdoorsy, active and up for a challenge," Ross said.
"So, get out of your comfort zone and give it a go."
Young Endeavour is visiting Darwin in June as part of its 2025 circumnavigation of Australia, before sailing to Western Australia.
To apply for an upcoming voyage or learn more, visit youngendeavour.gov.au.
