Sail adventure a ‘brilliant’ trip

SAILING the high seas on the Leeuwin sail training ship was an experience Liam Seton, 16, will not forget easily.

The Australind teenager embarked on an eight-day journey from Bunbury to Fremantle late last year and said the trip was “brilliant”.

When Liam heard how enthusiastic his older sister returned from a trip on the Leeuwin II a couple of years ago, he set his mind on having the same experience.

Liam said even rough seas, which left most participants sea sick, timed 60-second showers and simple accommodation in three-tier bunk beds, would not deter him from going again as a volunteer.

“It is one of the things you just have to do,” Liam said.

“It was brilliant and it really taught me about working as a team and we all became friends in the end.

“Climbing the mast was a highlight and it was a great feeling when we all achieved it.

“Every now and then you were out of your comfort zone – when you are on watch and it is cold and miserable, you just want to go to sleep but you know there are people below sleeping and you are responsible for them on your watch.

“If you have a taste for adventure and thrills, go for it.”

Harvey shire community development officer Stella Johnson is now inviting shire residents aged 15 to 25 to apply for a subsided place on the Leeuwin II.

For almost 30 years the council’s Community Sail Training Trust has helped about five youth each year to have this experience of a lifetime with the support of the Harvey, Brunswick and Australind Lions clubs and the Harvey Rotary Club.

For more information on volunteering on the Leeuwin, call the council’s office on 9729 0300 or visit their website.