Sea Trek 2025 – Year 11s Navigating New Waters
Our Year 11 Outdoor Education students recently swapped textbooks for tide charts. They took on Sea Trek 2025, a three-day sailing expedition packed with adventure, challenges, and plenty of learning along the way.
During the trek, students did not just cruise around the coast. They planned their routes, read the weather, navigated tricky conditions, and supported each other every step of the way. It was hands-on learning, with real leadership and teamwork at the helm.
Day 1 - Prepping, Practicing & Pushing Off
The adventure kicked off at the Marine Education Boatshed (MEB), where students spent the morning getting their gear sorted and learning the ropes, literally. They trained in small teams to sail Wanderer-class boats, brushed up on their radio comms, and checked the weather and tides.
By mid-afternoon, they were ready to hit the water. With stormy skies overhead, they motored up the river to Pelican Point, their first overnight stop. The conditions were not easy, but the group handled the challenge with confidence and settled into camp for the night.
Day 2 - Drills, Determination & Dockside Lunches
The second day kicked off with sailing drills near Pelican Point. Windy river conditions made things interesting, but the students stayed focused, showed great coordination, and their confidence really started to shine.
After a pit stop at Elizabeth Quay for lunch (and a breather), the group made their way back to the Boatshed to set up camp again, ready to tackle the final leg of the journey.
Day 3 - Ocean Swells & A Strong Finish
Day three brought the ultimate challenge – open water. The group motored across to Carnac Island, giving students their first taste of ocean conditions. It was the real deal: waves, salt spray, and serious navigation.
After a well-earned lunch at Fremantle Boat Harbour, they returned to the Boatshed to pack up and reflect on just how far they had come, literally and figuratively.
More Than Just a Camp
What sets Sea Trek apart is that it is not a set-it-and-forget-it camp. It is dynamic. The route shifts with the tides, and students take the lead. They make decisions, adapt to changing conditions, and support one another through every turn.
“One of the highlights for me was watching the girls genuinely support one another through some pretty challenging conditions,” said Outdoor Education teacher Arianna Verios. “They stayed upbeat, never complained, and tackled every task with grit and determination, and it showed in how confidently they sailed.”
They rotated leadership roles, cooked on Trangias, managed night watch, and kept each other on track, all while learning some seriously impressive skills:
- Reading the weather and planning routes
- Handling motor and sailboats
- Using marine radios to coordinate
- Setting up camp and cooking outdoors
- Working as a team, leading with confidence, and solving problems in real time
In The Girls' Own Words...
Ella shared, “I found trying to adapt to tough weather conditions difficult. There was some weather we weren’t expecting, and we had to try our best with what we were given.”
I most enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone and not doing what I would usually do,” said Milly.
“It was sometimes challenging with communication over the radio when we were the skipper, as it was hard to hear, so it was difficult to make fast decisions,” shared Natasha
Real Growth, Real Grit
Sea Trek was a journey in personal growth. Students were challenged, stretched, and empowered. They returned not just with practical skills but also with newfound resilience and self-belief.
They stepped out of their comfort zones and into leadership. And they returned with the kind of confidence that can not be taught in a classroom.
- Featured, GirlsEducation, LeadershipInAction, MarineAventure, Resilience, SantaMariaCollege, SeaTrek2025, teamwork, Year11OutdoorEducation
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 1, Week 10
Holy Week and Easter – A Time of Renewal and Hope
