The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, a registered Western Australian charity driven by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, owns and operates Australia’s largest sail-training tall ship. Through their efforts, the stunning three-masted, 1850s-style barquentine, STS Leeuwin II, provides transformative sailing experiences for young people and the community.
The team behind the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation run some fantastic youth programs and support high school students with their Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA) and Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) units. In addition to these programs, they offer the opportunity for everyone to sail on board the tall ship for day trips.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Alexandra Sinclair from the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation about their volunteers, their opportunities, and rebuilding after their ship was demasted last year.
How do volunteers contribute to the success of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure program?
“Volunteers are the backbone of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, contributing significantly to the success of its programs. They play diverse roles, from assisting with ship maintenance and operations to mentoring participants during voyages. Their dedication and expertise ensure that the STS Leeuwin II is well-maintained and that each adventure runs smoothly and safely. Volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and passion, often sharing personal stories and skills that enrich the participants’ experience.
“Their presence creates a supportive and encouraging environment, helping participants to overcome challenges and grow. Volunteers also foster a strong sense of community and continuity, embodying the values of teamwork, leadership, and service that the foundation promotes. Their commitment is vital, as it allows the foundation to operate cost-effectively and expand its reach, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from the transformative experiences offered by the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure program.”
How has being a Volunteering WA member helped your organisation succeed?
“Volunteering WA has been an invaluable resource for the Leeuwin. The educational tools, industry insights, workshops and networking opportunities have provided a wealth of knowledge, support, and inspiration.
“Being a part of Volunteering WA has been so rewarding, each interaction has encouraged and reminded us that working with volunteers can be a hugely demanding task, but is so incredibly moving and powerful for all involved.”
What does a typical day as a volunteer look like?
“We are blessed to have volunteers across our Foundation, assisting in our sailing adventures and delivering our program, ship maintenance, office tasks, fundraisers, community events and other ad hoc activities.
“This means that a typical day can look very different for a lot of our volunteers! Examples of tasks are voyaging as a Watch Leader, Bosun’s Mate, Cook’s Mate, Engineer’s Mate, Trainee Watch Leader and Purser, helping with scanning and filing, ship maintenance, offering mentorship, being a part of our Tuesday ‘Shed Boys’ using our workshop to handmake and repair items for the ship. We like to keep it varied and engaging, so that learning and participation feels fresh and engaging.”
If you could invite any famous adventurer to sail aboard the Leeuwin, who would it be and why?
“If I could invite any famous adventurer to sail aboard the Leeuwin, it would be Sir Ranulph Fiennes. As one of the world’s most accomplished explorers, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has led numerous ground-breaking expeditions, including the first to reach both the North and South Poles by surface travel. His resilience, leadership, and vast experience in extreme conditions would be invaluable aboard the Leeuwin.
“Fiennes is also known for his commitment to pushing human limits and inspiring others to take on extraordinary challenges. Having him aboard would provide participants with a unique opportunity to learn from someone who has lived the spirit of adventure, leadership, and perseverance. His stories and insights would undoubtedly inspire and motivate young people to push their boundaries and embrace the values of courage, teamwork, and determination.”
What are you proud of?
“We are proud of the adversity and resilience shown by our staff, volunteers and community in the face of our ship being de-masted in an accident on August 30th 2024. This tragic event has had a huge impact on the Foundation and our supporters, and during this difficult time we have been flooded with assistance and kindness, making the huge task of rebuilding that bit easier.
“We believe that with the incredible support we have received, we can get back on track to deliver our core mission of youth development through sailing soon.”
Following the collision, people in the Leeuwin community sent in their fond memories of the Leeuwin. Alexandra shared one with us, from Leonie McFaull, along with a sketch she completed while aboard the Leeuwin II.
“My watercolour pencil sketch of Rottnest Island from the decks of the Leeuwin II (2013). I didn’t go ashore due to a sharp headache so the Captain gave me permission to stay on deck where I drew the picture.
“I loved watches over night, stars above the masts, moon up, singing sea shanties. I so wanted to continue volunteering but 3.5 hrs from Perth and more headaches made it difficult. It turned out later I was diagnosed with a meningioma (brain tumour) which was removed successfully three years later. I am so glad I got this amazing time. I’ll never forget it.
“I loved my time on the week long trip which was sponsored via the Community Resource Centres’ traineeship program and the Lions Club of Leeuwin whilst living at Flinders Bay, Cape Leeuwin plus my name Leonie has the same meaning as Leeuwin: lioness. So guess it was meant to be for me to connect! Oh and our local Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse keeper bought it from me at my art exhibition. He’d wanted a picture with a lighthouse.”
The impact made by the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation is immeasurable. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, their team have proven that a collision can’t keep them down, and they’ll continue empowering young people with transformative sailing experiences for years to come.
