The Wright of Passage Program

Wright of Passage

Making Waves Foundation’s Wright of Passage program offers a positive, hands-on space for young people to develop work-ready attitudes and some trade skills as they clarify their next steps in education, training or employment.

Wright of Passage

Opportunities for Personal Growth

Making Waves Foundation’s Wright of Passage program is for young people between the ages of 15 to 18 who are looking for learning options outside of the classroom.

Program Overview

Operating two days per week during school terms, we currently run our program in NSW – Lake Macquarie and Woolwich, VIC – Geelong and Chelsea.

But that’s just the beginning – we’re eager to expand to other locations across Australia, bringing this unique experience to more communities. On our schedule is QLD – Manly July 2026 ACT – Canberra 2027

Our journey began in 2018 with the restoration of the Wright of Passage Mercator, a 1974 53-foot wooden Herreshoff ketch. Participants had the incredible opportunity to sail her to Hobart for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in 2019. Since then, we’ve shifted our focus to building dinghies from scratch. While it may be a less dramatic undertaking, it allows us to manage costs, resources, training, and time frames more efficiently, making it easier to replicate the program in new locations.

Our participants come from local schools and youth support services. Some are specifically interested in finding employment within the maritime sector, others are looking for trade skills and an introduction to being part of a workforce, and some are simply seeking a constructive alternative to school for two days per week. No matter their goals, everyone leaves with invaluable experiences and a sense of accomplishment.

Participants work with our volunteer mentors in an encouraging workshop environment to construct sailing dinghies. This process builds confidence and consistency and develops the positive attitudes and skills needed for their journey through education, training, and employment.

We are eager to run Wright of Passage in other centres. Please get in touch with us if you have ideas about a workshop site or potential local funding in your area. For more information, contact Shane Greaves at sgreaves@makingwaves.au.

Come join us and set sail on a journey of learning, growth, and adventure.

Program Overview

The program runs two days per week during school terms, and sailing sessions are held one day per fortnight where possible. Intake to the program is ongoing. Enquire using the form button below.

We are eager to run Wright of Passage in other centres. Please get in touch with us using the button below if you have ideas about a workshop site or potential local funding in your area.

For more information, please contact Shane Greaves at sgreaves@makingwaves.au.

When is the program available ?

The program runs year-round and is currently available in Sydney, Geelong and Newcastle. The program will be expanding to other locations soon.

Who is it for ?

Wright of Passage is designed for young people aged 15 to 18 who have disengaged from school (or are at risk of doing so) and are looking for alternative learning spaces. Participants may be experiencing social or learning challenges due to a variety of factors such as social disadvantage, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, lack of confidence etc.

Participants commit to working one or two days per week during school terms, for up to four terms, and may include or avoid sailing days.

Key Outcomes

The program aims to increase participants’ practical and interpersonal skills to set them up for further training or employment.

The program develops core technical skills, essential work-ready attitudes and the self-confidence needed to succeed. Goals are set, and progress is monitored through regular check-ins and end-of-term evaluations. Participants are coached and mentored as they undertake trade-based boat-building projects to gain workplace experience.

Wright of Passage Origin Story

In 2018, the original program looked quite different. Five trainees were assisted by our volunteers and skilled tradespeople where needed to fully restore the Wright of Passage Mercator, a 53′ wooden Herreschoff ketch built in 1974. Once she was seaworthy, the trainees were joined by other ocean sailing veterans on the journey south to Tasmania’s MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2019 in Hobart.

What parents are saying

The program has been an excellent growth experience for Bradley. He has chosen to take the program very seriously and has used the experience to create a work ethic for himself and gained so many new skills from the program.

Parent One

From my perspective it was truly amazing and wonderful to see. It really takes a village to raise a child and I have only positive feelings of appreciation and gratitude for all staff, organisations, companies involved. Astounding success.

Parent Two

Excellent team to inspire young people

Parent Three

Oli would like to focus on his studies for his last term of Year 10 ... This has arisen as a natural outcome of the fantastic opportunity that Making Waves has provided over the last two school terms. Oli has loved the opportunity to explore learning in a workshop environment, to develop handy skills, to contribute to making the rainbow dinghy, to learn to sail, and to meet all the fantastic people involved in this program.

Parent Four

I am incredibly grateful to all the team at Wright of Passage. Their care produces a wonderful foundation and community for young people to develop practical skills, take themselves out of their comfort zone and be a contributing team member.

Parent Six

I think this program is wonderful. I watched my child grow, learn and gain some much needed confidence after just a few months with you guys. You gave him a space where he could be himself.

Parent Seven

This is an amazing program that any young person with an interest in building and being on the water would gain exceptional experience by being a part of. I can't recommend this program more highly.

Parent Eight

Wonderful program. More spaces needed, as so many young people would like to try this. Thank you.

Parent NIne

This short video tells you the story of how the Rainbow Dinghies are built and the role they play in this program.

Volunteer Opportunities

We need your passion, enthusiasm and skills to help us achieve these outcomes.We use sailing as a tool to build confidence, self-esteem and new relationships. We provide free sailing and training programs for people with a disability, disadvantaged children and adults, and their carers.