STS
Leeuwin II Captain Sarah Robinson has been internationally recognised with the
prestigious Sail Trainer of the year award for her role in the Leeuwin’s sail
training program for young Western Australians.
Captain
Robinson was announced as the winner during the International Sail Training
Conference for 2013 held in Denmark recently; making her the only Australian to
have won the prestigious award, to date.
The
award is the highest accolade that can be achieved by a professional in the
Sail Training industry, recognising a high performing individual over 25 that
successfully delivers sail training programs.
Sarah
Robinson developed a passion for tall ship sailing at the early age of 14,
where like many of the young trainees she now helps train on Leeuwin voyages in
the position of Captain; she sailed herself as a trainee on British Square
Rigger T.S Royalist.
Leeuwin
CEO Anne-Marie Archer said, “The Leeuwin’s main purpose is to inspire and
challenge young people to realise their capabilities and reach their full
potential. With Captain Sarah’s professional manner, years of experience and
background in originally starting as a trainee in a sail training program
herself, she is the perfect person to oversee Leeuwin’s sail training program.”
“Sarah’s
role on the ship positively impacts on the Western Australian community and
generates outcomes from youth that have long term benefits, taking the future
members of society and teaching them the many life skills that will contribute
to a better society.
“The
Leeuwin and the wider Australian community is very fortunate to have her as a
Captain, as she has inspired and had an impact both directly and indirectly on
thousands of young people’s lives,” Ms Archer said.
In
2010 the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation was internationally recognised as
the leading Sail Training organisation of the year, demonstrating excellence in
‘innovation’ and ‘best practice’ in sail training for young people.
“The
Foundation aspires to continuously improve its program and being recognised on
the international platform is a wonderful endorsement of our efforts, “Ms
Archer said.
The
Foundation was also recently recognised closer to home for its Corporate Social
Responsibility, in the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Business awards for 2013.
Captain
Sarah is no stranger to recognition, having also been awarded the Pride of
Australia Medal for the Fair Go category for Western
Australia this year.
In
addition to her everyday responsibilities as Captain of the STS Leeuwin II
including navigation, management of crew training, and ensuring safety
standards are kept relevant and followed, Sarah is totally committed to the
training and development not only of the trainees who come on board but also of
the 10 volunteer crew and 4 permanent crew who sail with her.
Sarah
has trained several people to levels where they can attend college and go on to
pursue careers; whether that is becoming ships officers themselves or going on
to get jobs on tall ships all around the world.
In
response to her reasons behind choosing this often demanding lifestyle and line
of work Captain Sarah Robinson said; “I choose it because I enjoy witnessing
the growth in the young people that come on our voyages.”
“I
consider myself a product of sail training and it has given me some amazing
opportunities that I hope I can pass on to young people and open their eyes to
what they can do if they put their mind to it and work hard.
“Going
to sea is not for everyone but the skills people gain from a voyage are skills
they need in everyday life,” she said.
