Day 2: Mother Nature says South it is!

Hello there everyone, Welcome to day 2 of the voyage. Following a well deserved and much needed good night’s rest the Youth Crew awoke at 0630 to a spectacular Sydney morning. Looking down the harbour from our vantage point in Watsons Bay on a clear and still morning, it was a very enjoyable way to start the day. After our Early Morning Activity (EMA) and breakfast the Youth Crew were mustered on the port side of the bridge and introduced to the traditional ceremony of Colours (the raising of the flags and the singing of the National Anthem). After this we had our morning (not so) brief and on completion it was straight into cleaning stations (this activity is known as our ���Happy Hour’ and even has its own little song). Then it was back to the business of safety where our very own ���Captain Safety’ Red Watch Leader, Shayne gave a very comprehensive safety equipment presentation and demonstration. Under the guidance of their watch leaders, the Youth Crew spent the remainder of the morning conducting line handling and deck safety, getting the foundation skills required to work sails safely during their adventure at sea. This continued after lunch and once the watch leaders were happy, we opened the Young Endeavour Pool (went for a swim off the side of the ship) to cool off and relax. The Young Endeavour Pool is renowned for its spectacular and continuously changing outlook . . . this was no exception and a good time was had by all. After the swim it was time to weigh anchor and set sail. We proceeded out of Sydney Harbour via the Eastern Channel and as soon as we rounded South Head the ship started to roll and pitch with the effects of the sea and swell. Sailing through the heads of Sydney Harbour is always a wonderful experience and one many of the Youth crew will remember very well. For not long after that, some started to feel a little worse for wear, with sea sickness starting to raise its unwelcomed head. To their credit all pushed on and remained positive. Mother Nature had made her decision and it was decided that once clear of the harbour we would turn right, shape a course to the south east and commence a passage down the NSW South Coast. By the early evening the Youth Crew had managed to set and furl most sails and complete their first set of tacks as a crew (turning the ship through the wind). This is a real teamwork activity and every member of the team has a critical role to play. This set of tacks completed the formal activities for the day and I congratulated them on their efforts, achievements and the heart that they had shown. The Youth Crew have now settled into their watches for the night. We are currently sailing along nicely under two square sails and the majority of our fore and aft sails, making ground to the south east and looking as majestic and magnificent as only this ship can.Until tomorrow, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Dion