HEADING SOUTH

Hi Everyone,Following a good nights sleep we were all awake and on deck at 0630 this morning to witness a spectacular Sydney Harbour sunrise. On completion of our normal 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 (raise flags and sing National Anthem) and morning brief. On completion it was straight into cleaning stations (Happy Hour) followed by a very comprehensive safety equipment brief given by ‘Captain Safety’ (Tug). Under the guidance of their Watch Leaders, the Youth Crew spent the rest of the morning conducting setting and furling drills and learning the intricacies of tall ship sailing. At 1230 the staff weighed anchor and Young Endeavour proceeded out of Sydney Harbour via the Eastern Channel. Once clear of the harbour, with a NE wind, a course was shaped to the south east and we headed 12nm off shore so that we could take full advantage of the East Australian Current. Once in the current we altered course to the south west commenced our passage down the NSW South Coast. By late afternoon the Youth crew had completed their first set of tacks as a crew (put the bow of the ship through the wind) and all of aims for day 2 of the voyage had been achieved. Early evening saw the wind veer to the south east and strengthen to 20kts. These conditions have slowed our progress but have brought with them some welcome rain which has cooled the temperature considerably (peaked at 38 degrees today). Overnight the Youth Crew will settle into their watches and commence learning some new mariner skills.At the moment we are located 20nm to the east of Port Kembla sailing hard on the wind on a port tack and making good a speed of 5kts.Until tomorrow, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Gav