Leeuwin returns early, but Party is still on!

STS Leeuwin Il returned to Fremantle Port yesterday, Thursday afternoon, a day earlier than scheduled.

The reason for her earlier than scheduled arrival is the predicted unfavourable weather conditions forecast for today.

Shipee John Hartley was however on standby at the Port yesterday afternoon and despatched this report of her arrival, and some fab pics.

John says –

‘They waited for a big container ship to clear the moles (not wanting history to repeat itself, I guess), then came in to a small crowd, channels 9 and 10, and a couple of rufous night herons on the B Shed roof.’

Here’s a gallery of John’s super snaps.

Photographs courtesy of John Hartley

Leeuwin has been tied up at the Australian Marine Complex for 159 days for repairs and a refit.

It’s great to have her back.

Our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent Jean Hudson reports that the Port Party public celebrations for Leeuwin’s return will go ahead today at Victoria Quay between 3pm and 6pm. There will be –

• Live broadcast from Freocast/Ningaloo Records (3–5 PM) at Gage Roads Brew Co.

• Mermaid meet-and-greet and wishing stones for children (3–5 PM).

• Fremantle Ports Family Zone with free ice cream and face painting (3–6 PM).

• Sea shanty performance by The Lost Quays on the WA Maritime Museum balcony (5–6 PM).

• Gage Roads’ limited-edition “Ship Happens” beer, brewed in support of Leeuwin Ocean Adventure, with part proceeds donated to the Foundation — available from the Gage Roads pop-up bar throughout the event, followed by a Live & Local music session from 7:30 PM.

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure CEO Lawson Dixon said the event marks a significant moment for both the organisation and the Fremantle community.

“Seeing Leeuwin come home is deeply emotional for all of us. She’s more than a ship, she’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the life-changing journeys she gives to young people across Western Australia. For decades, Leeuwin has helped young people discover their strength, build confidence, and find direction, often at pivotal moments in their lives. After everything we’ve been through, this return is a powerful reminder of what we can overcome together. We can’t wait to welcome her back where she belongs — with her community by her side.”

Welcome home, STS Leeuwin II.

By Michael Barker, Editor, and Jean Hudson, Shipping and Sailing Correspondent, Fremantle Shipping News. Photographs by John Hartley

~ For more on the demasting of the Leeuwin and the dramas that follows, see our earlier reports here

~ If you’d like to COMMENT on this or any of our stories, don’t hesitate to email our Editor.

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