Tullamore teenager Paris Curr set sail on the adventure of a lifetime on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She is one of 24 young Australians aged 16 to 23 selected to board the tall ship STS Young Endeavour for an 11 day voyage.
The Tullamore Central School Year 11 student said at first she was a little nervous about the applying for the voyage.
"But one day I had a change of heart and decided I'd go for it, then that's the day mum and dad helped me apply," she said.
"Now that the time to board is nearly here, I'm really excited and looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead, as well as meeting new people and learning some new skills."
Helping put her mind at ease is big brother Lachlan, who completed the trip in September 2017.
"Lachie's told me a bit about what to expect," she said.
"He went on a different voyage to the one I'm going on, but he's told me that it's going to be plenty of fun with lots of good memories to make, and also not to expect too much sleep!"
Read more: Tullamore teen sails epic journey
Paris (17) began her voyage from Sydney on Monday and will sail along the east coast and out to sea before arriving in Newcastle.
As a member of the youth crew, Paris will be challenged to sail a square-rigged tall ship, including learning how to navigate, keep watch, cook in the galley, set and furl sails, climb the 30 metre mast, and take the helm.
Far from the lure of the ocean, Paris has her sights set on a career in agriculture after completing her HSC next year.
"After Year 12 I'd like to go to uni or attend an ag college," she said.
"I'd like to eventually get a job in agriculture. I would love to do some travelling overseas and then work on stations around Australia."
The daughter of Paul and Kelly Curr, Paris is an outdoors girl.
"I love horse riding, waterskiing, netball and I play league tag for the Trundle Sunflowers," she said.
"I also enjoy spending time with family and friends."
Read also: