Day 7 – Command Day commences
Ahoy there, to all following the voyage, Welcome to day seven, and the beginning of the much anticipated ‘Command Day’, a twenty-four hour period in which the Youth Crew assume command of the Young Endeavour. The ship’s crew was roused at 0630 h by AC/DC over the intercom and the smell of bacon and eggs. Following breakfast, Captain Damien assessed the competency of each of the three Youth Crew watches for the setting and furling of sails, an exercise known as the ‘Captain’s Setting and Furling’. This was a significant milestone in final preparation to hand over the ship to the Youth Crew, and each watch performed admirably. Shortly after, the ship anchored at Merimbula Bay in sunny conditions and the Staff Crew delivered an invigorating morning brief. Preceding lunch, the Youth Crew showed plenty of pirate attitude to inquisitive seafarers and kayakers, and gathered to elect their own Youth Command Crew for the next twenty-four hours. It is my pleasure to introduce the twelve Youth Command Crew members for Voyage 01/12: Captain Ryan Sail Master Reece Navigator Jack Watch Officers Bec, Bernie and Georgia Watch Leaders Emily, Will and George Chefs Fabian, Elly and Sofia From the election process it was clear that the Youth Crew had formed strong bonds of trust and friendship during the voyage to date, with gracious encouragement and support given to all successful nominees. I feel extremely privileged to be working with such a tenacious, supportive and positive crew of young Australians. Following some on-the-job training, Captain Damien officially handed over the Young Endeavour to the Youth Crew at 1400 h, who were given various challenging tasks and navigation points for the next 24-hours. During the afternoon, Youth Crew Navigator Jack plotted a detailed course to bring us into Eden whilst achieving objective waypoints, and the Youth Crew Chefs Fabian, Elly and Sofia prepared an exquisite dinner in the galley that was praised by all. Under the guidance of the new Youth Crew Sail Master Reece, the ship was underway by 1815 h, with a long night ahead of all the crew before an expected arrival at Eden early tomorrow morning. The coastal lights of Merimbula and Eden will be our companions tonight, and as I write, many hands are on deck working the sails to coax some boat speed out of very light winds and an adverse current. Until tomorrow, no doubt bringing news of a successful Command Day. Yours Aye, Youth Crew Captain Ryan
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
2200 at sea - weather scattered cloud, wind SW 5 knots, swell E 0.5 knot, temperature 17 degrees, barometer 1010 hpa
You might also be interested in
Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike