During first term a group of 9 students from Eastern Goldfields College were selected to sail on ‘Voyage 20-08’ on the STS Leeuwin II a Leeuwin Ocean Adventure voyage thanks to the generosity of AngloGold Ashanti.
Our students were challenged by ‘Mother Nature’ and their vessel was hit with some absolutely appalling sea conditions. Their original voyage from Albany to Fremantle was turned around. Unfortunately, the winds were much stronger than expected over the first couple of days and they were making no headway towards Cape Leeuwin. The Captain made the decision to return to Albany and spend a day at anchor, doing all the training rotations, working together and building confidence in the rigging.
The impact of COVID-19 on Leeuwin Ocean Adventure was swift and on 23 March, the decision was made that Voyage 20-08 would be the last for the 2019-20 season. In order to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all on-board including trainees, volunteers, members of the public and crew, all voyages, day sails, chartered sails and alongside events until September 2020 have been cancelled.
EGC Student Coordinator Miss Hannah Garrett said, ‘Students had a great time and really loved the opportunity and experience. The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure is such a great opportunity for students to be challenged and discover their strengths while working on their self-confidence and leadership skills.’