Leeuwin back in the South West

Australia’s largest sail training tall ship Leeuwin II departed its home port in Fremantle last week and is set to dock in Busselton on 9 January – just in time to be part of the annual Busselton Festival.

Tied up to the historic Busselton Jetty, a gold coin will give you access to a tour of the ship on either Saturday or Monday morning. The junior pirate competition is a favourite and it’s back on Sunday morning (www.festivalofbusselton.com.au/childrens-pirate-competition).

Setting sail again on Tuesday 14 January, STS Leeuwin II will be off to Bunbury with 40 passengers on board for a special 7-hour day sail.

A second summer school holiday South West Youth Explorer Voyage will then depart Bunbury on 16 January, for a seven-day adventure back up to Fremantle.

On board, through the generous sponsorship of the Southern Ports Authority, is 17-year old Lachlan Atkinson. Lachlan is looking forward to the challenge of the voyage experience and working alongside like-minded people while he learns more about leadership, teamwork and building resilience.

Voyage participants are divided into ‘watch groups’ on board and are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of sailing of the ship, including setting and furling the sails, climbing in the rigging and standing watch through the night, all the while building their confidence and courage and invaluable skills for life.

Southern Ports has been a long term sponsor of Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, recognising the life-changing experience these voyages make in the future of young people.  Southern Ports supports more than 100 community events and activities that take place within the regional locations of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance – where its staff live and work.