About the Tall Ship Leeuwin

Leeuwin II is Western Australia's own Tall Ship, a 3-masted barquentine with over 810 square metres of sail and an overall length of 55 metres. Leeuwin operates under the principle of "challenge by choice." Leeuwin II is a working ship and all participants are expected to be involved in most aspects of ship operations, from sailing, steering, navigating, and cleaning the ship, to climbing the mast. The level of the challenge is up to each participant.

Our twenty two years of operation clearly demonstrate that the more each participant is willing to challenge themselves, the more they take away from the experience.

 

"The Leeuwin is so much more than a sailing ship, it is a life experience in every sense of the word; and not one that will ever be forgotten by anyone that takes up the challenge to step aboard." Kathryn, 21, Bunbury W.A.


A Voyage to Suit Everyone 
Youth Explorer Voyages
Youth Explorer Voyages are recommended for young people aged 15-25 years. The voyages are challenging but inspiring. Trainees have the opportunity to become involved in every aspect of operating a traditional square-rigger. Through setting sails, standing watch, climbing the mast, and taking the helm, trainees work as a team to sail towards their destination.
In addition to onboard sail training, trainees have the benefit of experiencing the Western Australian coastline and the magnificent Indian Ocean. Visits onshore, weather permitting, will enhance the experience adding to the fun and memories created.
The voyage incorporates interactive workshops designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Trainees learn to build self-confidence and develop their leadership potential, as well as to practice personal goal setting.
Each trainee will also leave the voyage with life skills learned from living in a micro community. This includes learning to live in a confined shared space with different personalities and cultures. It is also a time when trainees make new friends and achieve goals by working through personal challenges.
Youth Explorer Voyages vary in length from 4 to 10 nights. Some Youth Explorer Voyages are also endorsed by the Curriculum Council of Western Australia. These voyages must be 5 nights or longer.

Adult Adventure Voyages
These voyages are for adults with a sense of adventure. The Leeuwin II provides adults with the opportunity to learn to sail Australia's largest ocean-going sail training ship, while experiencing emotional, physical and mental challenges, yet at the same time having fun and making new friends.
The voyages are suitable for all interests, from keen sailors to people who have never sailed before, to retirees looking to make their heart beat a little faster with stories to tell their family and friends.
It is an exciting opportunity to learn to sail a tall ship as it was historically in the nineteenth century, with the advantage of today's modern facilities.
Adult voyages vary in length from 2 - 10 nights.

Ultimate Challenge Voyages
Leeuwin's Ultimate Challenge voyages celebrate the abilities of young people living with physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities. Participants can experience the thrill and excitement of sailing Australia's largest sail training ship in a safe and supportive environment.
These voyages give young people the opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills, as they work with their watch group to set the sails, stand watch, and steer the ship, with the assistance of the ship's crew and health professionals.
The Ultimate Challenge Voyages are 4 nights in length and sail once or twice a year depending on demand.

Day and Twilight Sails
Leeuwin II offers short day and twilight sails to the public and to schools. The sails range from 3 - 3.5 hours in length. These short sails are relaxing and a great day out, with a meal provided during the day sail and canapés on the twilight sail. For those that would like to do more than relax whilst onboard the ship, you can participate in line hauling, helming, climbing the foremast or taking a ship tour. The level of activities available is subject to the weather.

Corporate and Private Charter
The Leeuwin II is available for corporate and private charter and for tailor made functions and events.
Corporate charters available include but are not limited to:
• School/Club specific voyages
• Product launches
• Christmas parties
• Thank you days
• Team building sails and voyages
• Leadership voyages
Leeuwin II offers its own program facilitation through sail training. However, for more specific needs, we recommend our preferred supplier who has many years experience in delivering high impact customised programs.
Private charters include special functions and events such as:
• Weddings
• Christenings
• Birthday Parties
Catering for corporate and private charters can be supplied by the ship. Alternatively, external caterers may be preferred.

Life Onboard

Leeuwin II is built in the old style of an 1850's sailing ship, but hidden below decks there is a surprise waiting. The accommodation is modern, basic and comfortable and the galley is a pocket-sized commercial kitchen. Here are a few more things you might like to know:
• Leeuwin II is a working ship. This means that everyone onboard is required to participate fully in the daily operations and workings of the ship, including cleaning the ammenities, galley duties, low level repairs and maintenance.
• The Leeuwin II provides basic yet comfortable accommodation.
• Each voyage sleeps a maximum of 40 participants in 6 and 8 berth cabins divided by gender. The ship also has cabins for the 10 volunteer and 5 professional crew.
• Once onboard, participants are allocated to a watch. A watch consists of your team members for the entire voyage, and usually consists of up to 10 trainees. Each watch is guided throughout the voyage by an experienced Volunteer Watch Leader.
• This is a great time to meet new people and make new friends. Couples and siblings are separated into different cabins and watches.
• There is fresh, hot and cold running water onboard, but water is a limited  commodity and consequently daily showers are restricted in length. The ship has separate male and female bathrooms.
• There is plenty of food. All meals are served in the main saloon, the social hub of the ship. There is a constant supply of warm drinks, fresh water and fresh fruit.
• The activities onboard include setting sails, standing watch during the day and night, taking the helm, navigation, plus all the other wonderful experiences which are part of sailing a magnificent tall ship.
• Each day there is time to relax and write in your journal, time for personal reflection and time to spend with new friends.

"It was awesome how the crew worked with us to teach us how to sail the ship, and allowed us to challenge ourselves to the full."
Ilara, 16 - Alice Springs

The Voyage Crew

The ship carries a total complement of 53 people made up of six permanent crew, seven volunteer crew and 40 participants. The six permanent crew include the Captain, Deck Officer, Bosun, Chef, Engineer and Program Coordinator.

The volunteer crew onboard the Leeuwin have been carefully selected to participate in future voyages as team leaders and facilitators.

It is part of the Leeuwin program to provide an ongoing association for our ex-participants which includes training, workshops, social activities, opportunities to crew on day sails and to participate in maintenance periods.