Connection and Belonging: Leonie Smith

Connection and Sense of Belonging

by Leonie Smith

Watsons Bay, Lizard Island (Shelley Wright).

It is a basic human instinct and need to belong to a tribe of likeminded people. Many thanks to the members of WWSA and the wonderful women who contribute with generosity of spirit. Sharing your stories of sailing challenges, accomplishments, ideas, frustrations, fears, advice, and knowledge in an authentic and genuine manner. Creating a community environment that is openly encouraging, nur turing, kind, supportive and inspiring. Whilst I am not a newbie to sailing, this year, in the most challenging and uncertain times, my DH (dear husband) and I transitioned into retirement and living on board our yacht Sens de la Vie. Pursuing, with a leap of faith, our long-held dream to sail the top end of Oz to the Kimberley.

Along the way I have been fortunate to meet some of the members personally – Pam, Eva, Lynette, Justine, and others. I was elated to finally meet Justine Porter in person. I had private messaged Justine six months before meeting her and we formed a friendship and connection. I had a sense that we needed to be connected and her knowledge of the top end would be most valuable.

We finally met in person at Lizard Island and there is no truer example of WWSA connections. I tell this story of sisterhood…

I mentioned to Justine that I was a descendant of Captain James Cook’s brother,

BELOW: Restorative cocktails after the walk to Cooks Lookout (Leonie on left, Justine on right).

these ancestral settlers in Australia from Hinton Blewitt, England. I am a sixth generation Australian, birth name Cook.

I was pleased to arrive here at Lizard Island and absorb the history but was not confident I could do the climb to ‘Cooks Lookout’ to pay homage to my ancestors.

Justine exclaimed, “You have to do this, come with me in the morning”.

Her supportive encouragement gave me the confidence to give it a go.

With my health disabilities I packed a bag with a book and drawing gear fully expecting I would only make it a little way up the track.

Sailing sisterhood: never leave a fellow sailing woman adrift.

Justine’s patience, understanding, and kindness, and in the company of our supportive DHs, enabled me to achieve a goal of entering my name (née Cook) in the journal at Cooks Lookout. A life goal I thought was not achievable was made possible by kindness, generosity, and connection via WWSA member Justine.

Extraordinary experiences have happened to all us in a year of difficulties, challenges, and uncertainty throughout the world for women, their families, and communities.

My enduring thanks to all members of WWSA for keeping it real, positive, encouraging, and entertaining – giving sailing life on board balance (if that is ever possible for sailors).

My sailing experience has been enriched by the storytelling helpful advice and knowledge from the inspirational community of Women Who Sail Australia

Life can be “Gloriously Messy” but above all of life’s messiness – be kind.

Justine signing the Cooks Lookout log book.