The STS Leeuwin II is a tall ship based in Fremantle, Western Australia used for sail training for youths.
The Leeuwin is a three-masted barquentine, named after the Dutch galleon Leeuwin which mapped the south-west coast of Australia in 1622. It was built to a design by local naval architect Len Randell by Australian Shipbuilding Industries Pty Ltd (now BAE Systems Australia) and launched on 2 August 1986. It is operated by Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, a non-profit organisation that runs youth training voyages along the West Australian coast.[1]
It has been utilised in special sailings in journeys on the Australian coastline.The ship's overall length is and its beam . The hull is welded steel with a teak deck. The main mast is tall and, when fully rigged, the ship carries over of sails.A full crew consists of 55 people, consisting of 5 permanent crew, up to 10 volunteers (including four watch leaders, a bosun's mate, cook's mate and purser), and 40 participants. The watch leaders take control of the four watch groups and lead the trainees through activities and ship duties on voyages of three days and more.
In 2012, the ship had a major refit at a cost of around $3.5 million.[2]
On 30 August 2024, a 109,000 tonne DWT container ship, the Maersk Shekou, collided with the Leeuwin while entering Fremantle port.[3] The collision brought down the ship's masts and injured two people on watch aboard the Leeuwin.[4] [5]
The Leeuwins hull remained intact and watertight, and repair work is ongoing.[6] The Maersk Shekou, for some 40 minutes out of control, also struck the Maritime Museum lightly. She suffered a gash on her starboard aft where she struck the Leeuwin.[7]
The ship was cleared of debris and sailed again for a short shakedown on 24 October 2024, albeit bereft of her mast and riggings.[8]