Leeuwin Adventure

​Ranui spent Australia Day on a very important retrieval mission
This is what the young trainees had to say about their adventure on the seas.
 
“On Wednesday the 20th of January 2021 Maddi and I embarked the Leeuwin 2 with other trainees from Perth and all over the southwest. It was an amazing adventure to have a shore day at Garden Island, seeing a large group of dolphins, rowing the boat while singing sea shanties and the performances every watch did on the last night. I also had lots of fun experiencing what it’s like to be all hands on deck, heaving together to hoist a sail and trying our hand at steering the tall ship. As I look back on my experience it has been an exciting and emotional roller- coaster from having sea sickness every day to being burnt a different colour. Nevertheless the memories that I have with me are forever that I will cherish constantly.” -Shakila

​“Although I cried myself to sleep every night, I look back on my week on the Leeuwin and I really do miss waking up to the ocean and all the adventures each day had install. On the 20th of January Shakila and I were dropped off at the Bunbury port, ready to set sail on our seven day voyage. I was so excited and was expecting some sort of luxurious cruise ship. 20 minutes after being on the boat I was in tears because it was nothing like I had visioned. Throughout the week I experienced every type of emotion as it was probably the toughest week of my life.  Although it was an emotional struggle, I look back now and couldn’t be prouder of myself. From sea sickness to home sickness to happy and then sad, I think it’s safe to say it was an emotional roller-coaster. As I reflect on my week, I realise it was not all bad and that some parts were really quite amazing. Every evening I got to watch the sun meet the horizon, creating the most beautiful sunsets. I got to watch a huge pod of dolphins swimming next to the boat. I got to be adventurous and climb the tall sails of the ship. I got to eat the yummiest food. I met many inspiring people with the most amazing attributes who really pushed me to keep going. I really enjoyed getting to know different people from different places and creating new friendships with people I wouldn’t usually mix with. The Leeuwin voyage has taught me a lot now that I think about it, it has taught me about independence, being brave, and being grateful. I am so grateful I was given this opportunity and I know that I will look back on this experience forever.”
-Maddi