Year of dates - sailing the ocean

Marriage is a lot like sailing. During the sunny calm waters you relax and soak it in.  For the rocky times its all hands on deck as you work together to get through it.

I didn't think of that analogy as I booked November's date. I was thinking, how awesome would it be to learn the ropes on a tall ship.

November date - sailing on the Leeuwin

And as luck would have it, number 24 on my 101 in 1001 was to sail on the Leeuwin. What a coincidence.

The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to challenge and inspire young people by getting them to work as a team on the tall ship for short voyages. To supplement the donations they receive, the foundation provides team-building activities and three-hour sails for everyday people like me who just want to cruise around and dabble on the ropes.

I had originally booked a sunset sail, but due to lack of interest we were moved to a 10am brunch sail that left Fremantle Port and sailed up the coast and back.

This weekend was the perfect day for a sail. The easterly meant the water was calm. While the landlubbers sweated on the 36 degree day, we were cool as cucumbers soaking up the sun and breathing in the salty air.

As we launched we were given a brief history of the boat and the group of red-shirt volunteers who were scurrying around the deck doing odd jobs here and there. Once we entered open sea, it was our turn to help lower the sails. Actually we were probably a hindrance, but they made us feel like part of the team.

All hands on deck

While Hubby and I strapped ourselves into the harness to climb the middle mast, the mix of guests from toddlers to grandparents, teenagers to backpackers,  either relaxed on the deck, toured the ship, took the helm and steered us steady, or went down to the galley for a hearty brunch of bacon, eggs, scones made on the boat.

Hang tight. The weight test before you're strapped in to climb the mast.

I am a little afraid of heights, and have no upper body strength. I was shaking like a jelly fish as I stepped up and grabbed the ropes and started to climb. But I'm glad I did. It was way more stable up the mast than on the deck and it goes without saying, the view was pretty impressive.

Chilling out is more my style

Lounging around on deck is way more my scene though. Hubby and I had time to sit and chat. Most importantly we relaxed. No baby to tend to. No chores to do. Just get a healthy dose of Vitamin D, fresh air and a little work out on the ropes.

I'm inspired to start sailing. I loved every minute of it, and so did Hubby. I think he's planning to convince work to do a team building day on the ship.

I was surprised at the age range. I would never have thought to bring toddlers, but they seemed to have a good time. And while I overhead one teenager say at the start 'This is going to be fun. Not.' by the end I noticed her at the helm and enjoying herself. Not that she would let on of course.

So it does seem to be fun for all ages, and I'm sure the sunset sail would be spectacular. Go on, embrace your inner sailor, or be a pirate for the day and get on board the Leeuwin.

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure
'B' Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
P: 9430 4105
E: office@sailleeuwin.com
W: www.sailleeuwin.com