Leeuwin II voyage a personal journey

Seven Broome students have set sail on a voyage of self-discovery on one of WA’s very own tall ships, the STS Leeuwin II.

The boys and girls this month travelled from Broome to Fremantle to board a week-long Leeuwin youth development voyage.

The students were awarded Woodside Marine Career Scholarships after detailing interest in a marine environment or the maritime industry to the Leeuwin team at the Broome Career Week Expo in May.

Jack Hallen, 16, praised the crew and said the experience was “awesome”.

On the last day of the voyage, the participants together nominated those of their peers on-board who demonstrated the skills needed to make up a replacement crew.

Jack was elected as first mate and communicated orders from the captain to the rest of the crew, which he said “tested my patience and taught me valuable skills in leadership and communication”.

Lucia Van Leacey, 15, said she was excited to go back home to tell her adventure stories to family and friends.

“I would definitely recommend this to everyone and anyone,” she said.

“I just want to say thank you (to Woodside) for the opportunity.”

The scholarship covers up to $1500, leaving $800 to be covered by the applicant or other sponsors for the complete voyage fare.

In October, the Leeuwin team announced Woodside scholarship funding was opened up Statewide.

To be eligible, students need to be aged 14-25, live in WA, and demonstrate an interest in a maritime or marine career, such as one in naval architecture; naval, marine or ocean engineering; marine electrical or mechanical trades; marine tourism; oceanography; marine biology; the navy; or the fishing industry.

The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure is funded through grants, the sale of voyages, corporate sponsorships and donations. It has provided programs to more than 40,000 young people since 1986.