Students ready for the high seas

Two Australind Senior High Schools students are preparing for the open sea adventure of a lifetime after being awarded grants through the Harvey Shire Council’s Community Sail Training Trust.

Benjamin Hooper and Joshua Anaru will join Alistair Ferguson, Matthew Winter, Samuel Zygaldo and Jacob Dobrich on the Sail Training Ship Leeuwin II for a week-long Youth Explorer Voyage.

Now in its 24th year, the Community Sail Training Trust is funded by the council in conjunction with service clubs including the Australind, Brunswick and Harvey Lions clubs and the Harvey Rotary Club.

The two Year 12 students submitted their applications to the Australind Lions and were interviewed by club representative Glenda Mongan.

“We selected Benjamin because he seemed incredibly enthusiastic about the idea of sailing on the Leeuwin and had a very positive attitude towards the whole experience,” Mrs Mongan said.

“Joshua told us he was looking for a new direction in his life and this was something completely different to anything he has ever done before and we thought might give him some insight into what he might like to do in the future.”

Both Benjamin and Joshua said they were looking forward to the voyage.

“I think it will be a great opportunity to meet new people and have a good time while learning a range of new skills,” Benjamin said.

“I’ve never sailed and I’m looking forward to climbing up to the crow’s nest,” Joshua said.