Day 7 Rattlesnake Island

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight the ship continued tacking and wearing in the prevailing SE winds making ground to the south west into Halifax Bay, north of Townsville. At sunrise the ship was abeam Acheron Island, sailing at six knots under fore and aft sails in a clear but crisp morning. Morning brief was conducted then quickly followed by ���Happy Half Hour’ as the Youth Crew was becoming very proficient at cleaning the ship within the allocated time. With the ship at Sail Master Adam’s high standard of cleanliness, watches were mustered midships on the upper deck where I assessed Captains Setting and Furling Drills, these drills are designed to evaluate each watch in their ability to safely set and furl sails without compromising their own or the team’s safety in preparation for Command Day. It was with great satisfaction that each watch successfully completed setting and furling the designated sails, displaying high standards of teamwork, communication, knowledge, leadership and safety.After Captains Setting and Furling Drills were completed, all sails were handed in and the ship proceeded to the planned anchorage in the lee of Rattlesnake Island. Lunch was enjoyed by all before Engineer Josh conducted round five of ���rope races’, once again challenging the Youth Crew watches to identify various parts of the ships equipment located on the upper deck. Once this activity had completed I gathered the Youth Crew and briefed them on the impending Command Day when they, and their elected Command Team will assume control of Young Endeavour for 24 hours, collectively enabling each to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the previous seven days.Shortly thereafter, on request from the Youth Crew, and noting it was a beautiful winter’s day, the Young Endeavour pool was opened to provide yet another invigorating activity which produced some truly inspiring and freakish somersaults into Halifax Bay. The remainder of the afternoon was spent by the Youth Crew either relaxing on the upper deck or challenging themselves by once again proceeding aloft on the foremast, pushing their mental and physical barriers to achieve personal goals, build confidence and develop inner strength, determination and drive.After a magnificent dinner by Chef Adrian it was time for the Youth Crew to elect their Command Team, results now known, the Young Endeavour will be in the capable hands of Youth Captain Heath and his team as of 1300 tomorrow. So after another very busy day the Youth Crew have settled into their anchor watches for the night, and hopefully will achieve a good night’s rest in anticipation and preparation for tomorrow’s commencement of Command Day.Our last seven days at sea had seen significant developments in the overall journey of our young adventurers. They as a team have progressed enormously both individually and collectively as the voyage continues to gain momentum, Command Day approaches with great anticipation for all. The intention is to remain at anchor overnight prior to weighing in the afternoon for the adventure and challenge that is Young Endeavour. Until tomorrow evening when we will read the exploits of Youth Captain Heath and his team, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Damien