Leeuwin Crew wins Sail Trainer of the Year Award: Under 25

This week, Leeuwin Foundation crew member Rachel Norrie (23) has been announced as Sail Trainer of the Year in the Volunteer: Under 25 Category.

At the Halmstad International Sail Training and Tall Ships Conference 2016, the annual awards for significant sail training achievement were presented to a diverse and international group of people, vessels and ports – who have all made the sail training world a better place.

Awarded to a sail training volunteer under 26 to encourage high-performing individuals who deliver sail training to young people, Rachel’s award was received by Steve Moss, Country Representative for Sail Training International in Australia.

Rachel is 23 years old, and joined the STS Leeuwin II as a volunteer two years ago. In her first year she trained and earned her first rating as Bosun’s Mate. She has been a Leeuwin volunteer ever since, and put her studies on hold to pursue a career in the maritime industry.

She received a scholarship from the Western Australian Department for Training and Workforce Development as part of a program to support women in non-traditional industries. This scholarship enabled her to complete her Masters < 24m. In 2016, Rachel was chosen as one of three cadets as part of the Woodside Leeuwin Marine Career Pathway Program, which will enable her to complete her Mate < 80m and her MED2 qualifications.

“When the award was announced I couldn’t believe it. It was a huge honour to receive such a significant award in the Sail Training industry,” said Rachel.

“After volunteering onboard the Leeuwin, I wanted to invest more time being part of the Leeuwin Youth Development program as well as gaining qualifications in the maritime industry.  The Woodside Marine Career Pathway Program was a natural choice.”

“The recognition from Sail Trainer of the Year in the Volunteer Award will open doors to so many opportunities onboard other tall ships around the world, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me.”

Rachel is a multi-skilled, dedicated and well-liked volunteer, and also puts in many hours on board during the refit period.

Leeuwin CEO Carol Shannon spoke about how proud the Foundation is of Rachel’s achievement.

“The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation is bursting with pride at the announcement of Rachel Norrie as the Sail Training International, Sail Training Volunteer of the Year (under 25).”

“This award acknowledges Rachel’s achievements as a high-performing individual delivering sail training to young people.”

“As the recipient of a Woodside Leeuwin Marine Career Pathway Cadetship in 2016, Rachel has already demonstrated a high level of commitment to her studies, sail training and Leeuwin. Rachel is such a worthy recipient of this international award.”

The Leeuwin Foundation is an award-winning provider of personal development and leadership programs that provides key life skills for young people aged 14-25 that they will take into their studies, careers and community.

This year, the Foundation has marked 30 years of award-winning youth development with a trio of celebrations.