Sailing on our beautiful ship is
an experience young people in Western Australia have been lucky enough to enjoy
for more than 26 years.
At the start of this month Leeuwin swapped the young for the ‘young at heart’ on its
voyage home from Monkey Mia. Up to twenty adults joined the ship on the 9th of
June ready to welcome a change in routine from everyday life to a taste of
adventure on an authentic tall ship.
For seven days the ship became
home to a group of people from all walks of life, from Engineers to Soldiers,
and retirees to travelers. The days were spent with all efforts focused on
sailing the ship home in time, while the nights were spent enjoying good
conversations, combining musical talents and playing long games of cards.
The wind was on our side for the first leg of
the journey, allowing for some beautiful sailing for five of the seven days.
Lines were learned, ropes were hauled, rigging was climbed and sails were set
and furled as the group learnt more and more about tall-ship sailing.
Privileged
enough to be journeying back from Shark Bay, the group got the opportunity to
witness some spectacular sites from dolphins swimming within arms length of the
dorys, to the ocean glowing with phosphorescence on night watch. Voyagers were
given an interesting talk on the history of the epic Batavia shipping disaster
by a fellow trainee.
After the wind dropping right off
on the last couple of days, the engines were required to get us back to Port
Beach in time, where we anchored for the last night. The traditional SODS night
heard the main saloon echo with laughter at “Slaven the hero,” “Mark the
mother-in-law,”and “Barbara the parrot.” We were also graced with some musical
talent by many of the trainees and crew.
Another voyage complete, another
adventure had, and now back to the reality of everyday life for our adult
voyagers. A good time was had by all and their week on the Leeuwin will always
be remembered fondly.
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