Ever Dreamed of Sailing a Tall Ship Under the Stars?

Become an Enterprize Volunteer  

On 30 August 1835 the tall ship Enterprize landed Melbourne's first European settlers. Today, her outstanding handcrafted timber replica sails Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay and beyond, giving passengers and crew a 19th century sailing experience in 21st century comfort and safety. 

Enterprize is the first square-rigged sailing ship to be built in Melbourne for over 120 years. The Enterprize Ship Trust is a not-for-profit organisation and is dependent on sailing income and donations for its continued operation. Building Enterprize took 6 years of dedication by a few craftsmen assisted by many volunteers, both male and female. Now a fully operational sailing ship, Enterprize still depends upon the enthusiasm of her volunteers to help sail and maintain her as well as assisting with office activities. 

Do you have spare time? Can you commit to a certain number of weekends each year? Do you want to help preserve a part of our living heritage, or simply share in the romance of a forgotten age of sail with a group of people that enjoy similar interests? What about learning new skills, meeting new people and having some memorable fun times as well? 

If you decide to become an Enterprize volunteer, we do ask for a serious commitment of at least one weekend per month for a minimum of one year, assisting in both sailing and maintenance of the ship. In return, Enterprize provides practical on board training as well as structured training sessions. We will also assist you in accumulating sea time towards becoming a ticketed officer. You will be covered by personal accident insurance while working for Enterprize both on board and on shore. You do need to be active and in good health. Whilst most of Enterprize's sailing involves short trips within Port Phillip Bay, there is opportunity to be involved in our weekends and overnight trips. We also need crew for our extended voyages. Most of all, in return for your commitment, Enterprize offers a unique experience of a 19th
Century sailing ship, the fun and excitement of sailing, the pleasure of working in with a dedicated team of volunteers and the opportunity to make new friends with a common interest. 

Socially, the volunteers have an annual Christmas and midyear party each year. 

Revisit this site for notices of forthcoming events. Enterprize conducts induction sessions through the year for new volunteers. These sessions, held at our Williamstown site, outline the history and activities of Enterprize. Important safety information, a vital prerequisite to sailing a tall ship, is also detailed during these sessions.  

Please register your interest and signify your preferred induction date below by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

2011/2012 Volunteer Induction Dates  

Saturday 13th August 2011  Full

Saturday 17th September 2011  Full

Saturday 15th October 2011  Full

Saturday 25th February 2012  Full