NOT many people can say that they can be turned into a different person in just nine days but that's what grandmother Glenesse Dyson found when she challenged herself on a voyage on the STS Leeuwin,
Glenesse returned from the voyage from Fremantle to Monkey Mia with a new lease on life. "I have less fears. this was a major life change. I am a different person to what I was before I left. There's more to me and this voyage revealed that."
The STS Leeuwin is a working ship where all participants are expected to join night watches, steer the helm and belay ropes together among other tasks.
The first day on board Glenesse climbed the 33 metre main mast and did not stop pushing her limits.
"Everybody encouraged everybody. I never expected the challenge of climbing a sail on the very first day. The Leeuwin cured my fear of heights.... I under estimated the strength in my legs and arms."
The STS Leeuwin will be joining the 400th year anniversary festivities in October of the first Dutch contact with Western Australia at Dirk Hartog Island and Glenesse plans to be on board.
Anyone over 18 can apply to be part of the voyage, leaving Fremantle for Shark Bay from October 14 - 24.
"I want any excuse to get back on ship, throw away technology, climb some sails, eat some great food, be rocked in the arms of grandmother-ocean and meet a bunch of interesting people," said Glenesse.
The Dirk Hartog commemorative voyage is an 11-day return package which includes an eight day sail up the Coral Coast from Fremantle to Denham passing the Abrolohos, on board meals, the expertise of resident historian Michael Gregg, the opportunity to take part in the Shark Bay 1616 festival and return to Fremantle by bus.
The voyage costs $3600.
For more information: 08-9430-4105 or visit sailleeuwin.com