CEO Update – August

Momentum Builds for the Youth Sailing Season

It has been an energising few months for Leeuwin, with growing momentum across the ship, our people, our programme and the wider community.

The STS Leeuwin II is in good shape and sailing well. The return of the yards was a significant milestone and a wonderful demonstration of the skill, dedication and teamwork of our crew and volunteers. Recent volunteer activities have brought familiar faces back to the ship, welcomed new people and reminded us just how much affection and commitment surrounds Leeuwin.

Our recent voyages have also brought encouraging feedback from young people and their families. Parents have described young people returning home with greater confidence, independence, determination and belief in what they can achieve. These stories are a powerful reminder of the enduring value of the Leeuwin experience.

Our team continues to strengthen, while engagement with schools and community organisations is growing. We are developing new relationships, reconnecting with existing supporters and creating stronger pathways for young Western Australians to experience the challenge, belonging, responsibility and adventure of life at sea.

Behind the scenes, we continue to strengthen health and safety, regulatory compliance, operational planning, policies and training. Much of this work is not visible, but it is essential to ensuring Leeuwin is well supported and ready to deliver safe, high-quality youth voyages for many years to come.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for the blessing of Leeuwin and her team, our Volunteer Awards Night and the beginning of the youth sailing season, the heart of our work.

There is still plenty to do, but the foundations are increasingly strong: the ship is sailing, the programme ahead is taking shape, our team is growing and the community around Leeuwin is engaged and optimistic.

Jo Lynch

Chief Executive Officer
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation