COMMAND DAY PART 2

Ahoy there everyone,Welcome to the second half of Command Day and if you recall there was a slight dilemma with the wind (or lack of) when we spoke last. This unfortunate (but relatively minute) detail seemed to follow the Young Endeavour as we navigated, ever so slowly, to the designated waypoints and our final destination at the beautiful Fitzroy Island.Through the night our command day watches (Turtles, Parrots and Bay Watch) rotated through on the usual night watches, keeping the ship safe and sound. I even heard that one lucky watch even witnessed the ship reach 6 knots of wind (a rather exhilarating aspect of the night). The Youth Crew were awoken at 0650 and an amazing breakfast was served by the Chefs complete with French Toast and Chocolate Pancakes. The Command Day leaders then moved onto our very own version of the morning brief, where Aunt Petunia and Crazy Eye made guest appearances and the youthies sang the Australian National Anthem to five different tunes. We then continued into the Happiest Half Hour of the day making the ship look spick and span, ready for the day ahead.At 0930 the Youth Crew then set out to complete as many of the Command Day tasks on the list as possible, which they completed with as much enthusiasm as they could conjure. This was short lived as unfortunately, in order to make the deadline that was required we had to resort to using the ships underwater sails (engines), something which I had hoped we would not have to do. To get the engines however we had to convince the Staffies to let us use them, this lead to the entire crew staging a tribal chant, complete with pots and pans around the ships deck. Matt quickly granted permission and the engines were started promptly.After furling the sails, the entire crew were treated to a Mexican themed lunch, complete with our own moustaches. This most defiantly lifted the spirits of the Youth Crew which only continued to rise as the site of Fitzroy Island loomed into view. Upon anchoring the final task was completed, the photo of the crew aloft, and the ship was handed back to Captain Matt at 1400. A debriefing activity was then carried out in which the Youth Crew discussed the Good and Not so Good aspects of Command Day, as well as what we each took away from the experience. After a BBQ dinner on deck the entire crew enjoy ‘Young Endeavour’s Got Talent’, with honourable mention to the Staff who managed to completely drench the midships with water during their skit.As I sit here writing and wait for the anchor watches to be posted I have seemed to gained quite an audience, and seeing as the only form of communication is a message in a bottle of the few of the Youth Crew would like to give some messages to their loved ones. Tamara asks that…mum and dad could you please pay my phone bill and I will pay you back, should be in my emails. Lilly asked to give a shout-out to Rick, she misses you dearly and the Youth Crew have heard all about you. Claire asks to give a shout-out to her family, she says hi. Meg would like to send a shout-out to Matt, Brydie and Chelsea, see you all in a couple of days. And to my own family, I’m so glad that TJ is okay, I miss you all loads.Command Day is challenging, no doubt about that, but it is truly amazing to know that as the Youth Crew of Voyage 09/12, we were able to sail this beautiful vessel by ourselves. That is by far the biggest accomplishment with the largest satisfaction.Until Next Time, Much LoveRuby x