My Leeuwin Report by
Tursina
 "The sea can be the most
beautiful place, and it can also be the most dangerous
place you wouldn't want to be in," I recall Datuk Azhar
telling us. Aboard the Leeuwin, I had experienced both
situations, and it was truly exhilarating. The
experiences we had gained is something I'd cherish
forever...and a day.
When I first heard of the
Leeuwin, I was a bit skeptical. At first I thought why
would I want to be in the middle of a raging sea
probably spewing my guts out when I could be at home
enjoying my school holidays. But then I had thought to
myself, what the heck? This might be my one and only
chance being involved, as a crew, on board a
ship.
 The first time I saw the
Leeuwin, it was love at first sight. The ship itself was
magnificent, with her masts standing proudly on the deck
and it really was a sight to see. When the ship left the
docks, I was really starting to get into this sailing
business. I just couldn't wait to get my hands on each
and every rope and line there was on the ship. That was
one of my goals and by the end of the 6-day voyage, I
had achieved my goal. I had done everything you could
possibly do on a ship and I was proud of myself. This
wasn't what you can just go ahead and do anytime you
feel like doing it.
From the Leeuwin I learnt
that nothing in this life comes easy. Considering the
fact that I'm only 16, life sometimes tends to be very
challenging. I learnt that you have to face your fears
by taking up challenges, and never giving up if you want
to great achievements in your life.
Besides teaching me a thing
or two about life, being on the Leeuwin gave me the
chance to do what I like best...to be able to sit back,
relax and enjoy the moment. Whilst sitting on the deck,
I could see that God is truly The Mightiest Creator. The
ocean view was just out of this world! During the day, I
could see the shimmering and illuminating water. But it
was most beautiful at night, with the sea glimmering
beneath the moonlight as the clear, dark, cloudless sky
glistened with millions of stars hiding the secrets of
the universe. As the cool wind swirled against me, it
was an experience I would relive over and over
again.
Someday, before I get old
and wrinkled, I know I'll be back sailing on the
Leeuwin, because I swear I can hear every single cell in
my body screaming out for more!! The mast climbing,
handling the sails, learning the ropes, mast climbing,
enjoying the beautiful panorama, mingling with the
Australians and did I mention, more mast
climbing?
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