All Hands-on Deck: STS Leeuwin II kicks-off just before the AFL Grand Final. Jean Hudson reports.
On 22 Saturday 2026, just before the AFL Grand Final throw up, I watched STS Leeuwin II set sail on its first voyage with full rigging since the crash that de-masted her in 2024. And of course, a huge Docker’s Flag flew from her rigging.
Credit Camilio Menia
Ahead of the departure, invited guests climbed onboard for speeches and welcome to country by Walter McGuire, OAM. Proceedings came to a brief halt when the massive MSC Alamira container ship sounded her horn and motored past us accompanied by two tugs. Father Ernest Lennon from St John’s Anglican Church then blessed the Leeuwin and all who sail on her.
Aboard the 1850s-style barquentine were 30 excited trainees, aged between 14 and 24, who will operate as the Leeuwin’s crew for the seven-day development voyage along Western Australia’s coast: climbing the rigging, hoisting the sails and taking the helm. They will work as a team to navigate the ship through the days and nights and create special friendships in a truly unique environment out at sea.
She’s been back on the seas since February this year, following a 16-month process of rebuilding after the devastating collision in August 2024, when struck by the container ship Maersk Shekou. The collision crushed parts of the ship’s hull, tore away all three masts and left two crew members injured. The installation of the Leeuwin’s large square sails in late July marked the official end of the rebuilding process.
“We have been voyaging since the start of this year, but this will be the first time trainees get to experience the iconic square sails of the Leeuwin,” said Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation CEO Jo Lynch. “ As we get back into the full swing of sailing, our focus is on a youth development program that is relevant to the young people of today. They are experiences that both challenge and support our young trainees to see what they are capable of, to grow, and find their voice.”
The not-for-profit Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation was established in 1986, with the seven-day Youth Adventure Voyages designed to help young people learn new skills, develop their resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, and make connections with other young people. There is also a program of voyages for adults of any age, as well as voyages tailored to participants with intellectual, physical or sensory challenges.
After Saturday’s magnificent departure, a second youth voyage will depart in the second week of the school holidays on 5 October followed by the five-day Ultimate Challenge Voyage on 16 October — a unique experience designed specifically for trainees with disabilities, plus voyages from Busselton and Albany planned for 2027.
“Our youth voyages are about far more than learning to sail,” said Lynch.“They give young people the opportunity to step away from screens, connect with nature, themselves and one another, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of. Living and working together on board also creates a genuine sense of belonging and often leads to meaningful friendships.”
Fremantle Shipping News was delighted to attend this event and watch our favourite tall ship take her first official voyage, with square sails unfurled. And if you fancy a sail, STS Leeuwin II will be undertaking a series of voyages from Fremantle in 2026, before heading to Busselton and Albany in the new year. Find out more right here.
*Story and pics by Jean Hudson. Jean is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.
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