Sailing journey helps trio change tack

Andrew Mathieson
THEY left as unassuming land dwellers but returned as accomplished sailors.
Former refugees Duol Yang and Gambella Gatkuoth, from Sudan, and Longdy Pich, from Cambodia, have all encountered “life-changing” experiences after two ocean voyages in a month, according to the man who accompanied them.
The Sudanese teenagers wrote their names into the history books as the first Africans to compete in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
“It was a lot harder than the first voyage because we didn’t stop – we were under sail the whole way,” Victoria Police multicultural liaison officer Paul Lees said.
“There was certainly no moments when you could slack off.
“You’ve got three crews, three shifts going around the clock and they were in the thick of it.”
The 1170-kilometre trip to Constitution Dock followed 11 more tranquil days cruising between Port Lincoln and Geelong last month.
The Young Endeavour sailed the race in little over five-and-a-half days.
The young crew arrived at Hobart up the mast, singing Australia’s national anthem, with cannons on the stern, firing off as they crossed the finish line.
“The reception we got coming into Hobart from, not only the local community, but the yachting community was just brilliant,” Snr Const Lees said.
Back on dry land in Geelong, Duol said there were moments, including rough seas on the second day, which tested his resolve.
“I got seasick pretty easily,” he said.
“(That was) the one time when the ship started moving all around.
“That was pretty scary, actually.”
Duol said he returns with no regrets after never sailing on a boat before.
He will now cast a keen eye on the flotilla of ships during Skandia Geelong Week later this month.
“I’d love to do this trip again,” he said.