Two Month Retrospective Update from Captain James Rakich

Hello all!

On the 30th August, the Leeuwin was damaged in a collision whilst tied up alongside B Berth. The two crew who were onboard are recovering well, supported by friends, family, and the wider Leeuwin community.  Since then, ship staff, contractors and volunteer crew have worked tirelessly to make the vessel safe for access, and it has been an absolute pleasure to see the results of that work, despite the circumstances.

We engaged Focus Demolition to make the deck safe for access, picking apart the damaged rig with all the care, precision, and professionalism one could expect of experienced operators.

In the background a collection of staff, crew, and ex-permanent volunteer crew performed the task of documenting, dismantling and preparing the rig for transport, which is now stored safely in a laydown area for next steps in the repair process. I can’t thank them all enough for their time, experience, and passion in helping us work through the task.

With access restored, we were able to continue the repair effort with the support of volunteers. Collecting debris and recovering the last pieces of the rig on deck, clearing out fridges and freezers that were left unpowered, cleaning the ship, and re-energising ship systems – all aiming for a habitable standard of living onboard.

On the 16th of October 2024 we achieved that standard, with working systems and continuous safe access, and we have been able to resume live aboard harbour watchkeeping alongside at B Berth. We continued to assess ship systems: conducting tests on main engines, generators, steering, and windlass, to perform a sea trial on the 24th of October 2024. Supported closely by the Jetstream Nova in case of engine or steering failure, we departed B Berth in calm conditions and performed manoeuvring tests in Gage Roads, before returning alongside at B Berth. Confirming the vessel can move under its own power is a significant step.

That’s where we are today. There’s still lots to do before we can start to rebuild the vessel’s rig – measuring and assessing, ordering material, assembling the right tradespeople. In 1986 when the STS Leeuwin II launched, it took 22 months of energy, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and hard work. That gives you an idea of the task that lays before us now.

Rebuilding Leeuwin’s rig is an enormous task, and this is where the Leeuwin as a community endeavour shines. All our extended Leeuwin family has helped in countless little ways, from labour to fundraising, emotional support, friendship and community. This community spanning four decades is an absolute privilege to be a part of, and times like these remind me how wide and deep those relationships go, and how they’ve sustained the vessel all these years.

Thanks for all of your support, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all onboard, and eventually, out sailing again!