The Leeuwin II in full sail. Right: Todd Campbell climbing the mast.
Camera IconThe Leeuwin II in full sail. Right: Todd Campbell climbing the mast. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Rockingham SHS student gets adventure on the high seas aboard Leeuwin II

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

Todd Campbell received a scholarship from the Sir Frank Ledger Trust that helped him go on a Leeuwin Youth Development voyage.

The part scholarship was awarded to him for his interest in a maritime or marine career.

The week-long voyage took him from Fremantle to Monkey Mia.

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Todd said the experience was remarkable and gave him some tech-free time.

“I’ve met the nicest bunch of people. It was amazing, we were complete strangers but now are great friends after a week at sea,” he said.

“Going on the Leeuwin has been the best thing for me – just being out at sea, not seeing land and having zero contact with civilisation for one week.

“It’s awesome how you can be in the moment and concentrate on what you’re doing while having fun at the same time.”

Sailors aged from 14 to 25 were involved in all aspects of sailing the 1850s-style barquentine ship, from climbing aloft, taking the helm, navigating and cleaning the deck.

“I’ve learnt the names of the sails and which line pulls what part of a sail. I’ve learnt to steer the ship from the helm and follow a course, also gaining a little knowledge about navigation,” he said.

Todd hopes to become a commercial diver or enter into a year-long Woodside cadetship program with the Leeuwin Foundation.

“The Leeuwin has really boosted my confidence and improved my leadership skills,” he said.

Scholarships are still available to join the last voyage of the season from Geraldton to Fremantle from June 17 to 23.

They are open to City of Kwinana youth only aged 14 to 25.

They are provided through the CBH Group and contribute $1800 towards the recipients’ voyage fare.

A full fare for a Youth Development Voyage onboard the STS Leeuwin II is $2250.

For more information contact the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation on 9430 4105 or visit their website www.sailleeuwin.com.

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