BUSSELTON youth have the opportunity to experience an action packed week of adventure and personal development aboard the STS Leeuwin II this January holidays when the ship visits.
MaKillop Catholic College year 11 student Bettina Newton has been picked to sail the largest ocean-going training ship in Australia.
Bettina said the trip was a once in a life time experience for her.
She applied when the Leeuwin event coordinators presented the idea to her year group at school.
"When you only have one life you have to jump at opportunities like this," Bettina said.
"I have no sailing experience but I love the ocean and can't wait to see beautiful things like dolphins and glowing lights at night from undersea plant life."
Bettina is also looking forward to meeting new people and learning different skills.
"We live on the ship for a week so the trip will be full of activities but I'm sure I will get time to relax too," Bettina said.
The Leeuwin is running two Youth Explorer Voyages to and from Busselton where up to 40 young people from across the state from the ages of 14 to 25 join together to sail the ship on the unique ocean adventure.
During the seven days the trainees experience all aspects of sail-training from climbing the 33-metre main mast, setting the sails, taking the helm and standing watch at night.
The voyages aim to help young people develop self-confidence and key life skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication.
