Anglicare sponsee enjoys Ultimate Challenge

Roleystone woman, Corrina Smart (21), has just returned to dry land after taking part in the 2018 Ultimate Challenge Voyage aboard the STS Leeuwin II.

The ship recently returned from a five day-four night journey around waters off the WA coast as part of a special experience involving young people with disabilities.

Corrina was on board supported by the Bridges Program, part of Anglicare WA’s service network.

The 24 participants and 16 support participants were facilitated by experienced crew and volunteers but everyone on board was expected to actively participate in the operation of the ship, including setting sails, navigating, steering, climbing masts, and keeping watch during the night.

“It was an awesome experience” said Corrina.

“Although I felt a bit seasick most of the time, everyone on board pushed each other to try hard and that kept me going,” she said.

“I managed to climb to the top of the main mast, and it was wonderful to feel so free.”

Exhausted by the end of each night, Corrina said she slept like a rock, and the gentle rocking of the anchored ship felt like going so sleep with a lullaby.

CEO for Leeuwin, Carol Shannon, said the exercise also helped young men and women develop good character and fostered community spirit.

“The Ultimate Challenge voyage is the only one of its kind in Western Australia and the only Australian ship offering exciting and rewarding activities available for young people with a disability,” Ms Shannon said.

Now back on solid ground, Corrina is keen to find employment in gardening, landscaping or horticulture which has long been an area of interest for her.

The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure is funded through the sale of voyages, a combination of grants, corporate sponsorships and donations by organisations and the general public.

Since 1986, the Leeuwin has provided exciting and life-changing programs to more than 40,000 young people across Australia.