Day 4 – Exploration

Ahoy, Our second night at sea was a little gentler with a reduction in the wind and swell. We sailed throughout the night with the YC managing the sail handling, climbing the masts, looking after Watch on Deck (steering, lookout, rounds, etc.) and generally enjoying each others company. Off watch, they slept a good sleep. Then it was ‘up and at ‘em’ at 0700, woken by a lovely tune from Blue watch. Shower, shave and shampoo. The ship came to anchor in Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island at 0900 and Paige commenced ferrying everyone ashore shortly thereafter. A wee bushwalk over the headland landed them on the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, known as Betty’s Beach. On one of the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen, the YC engaged in a couple of activities arranged by our Suitability Candidates, Julia and Shaun (this voyage is their job interview!). On their return, we ate lunch then weighed anchor and departed Tongue Bay for Nara Inlet. The transit took about 2 hours, during which time Rope Races and the ‘Rules of the Road’ lecture was conducted. Paige and Julia instructed how not to have a crash with another vessel – in complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea – which is of course a very handy skill to know. We entered Nara Inlet and came to anchor around 1600. Dion, Navigator extraordinaire then instructed YC navigation theory and positioning techniques, mucho importante to keep the ship safe. We are preparing them well for Command Day which is on Day 8 and fast approaching! The BBQ dinner was cooked to perfection (I was on the tongs!) and the location was serenic (Kenny’s made up word = serene + scenic). All we need next is entertainment… cue 3 Way Talks. This is where one member from each watch is teamed together in a group of three. They must learn all about the others then tell us about themselves as one of the other two. Get it? They had a couple of hours to get to know each other. It’s not only a great way to get to know each other – they learn about themselves too and very entertaining. We also learnt how terrible some people were at charades! I didn’t tell you… to end each persons talk, they had to charade the other person’s favourite movie, tv show or book. This part is quite competitive amongst the staff. Remaining at anchor overnight – YC in anchor watches – it is our intention to get underway before lunch and continue north, leaving the Whitsundays behind. Toodle-oo then. Yours Aye, Captain Adam Quotes of the day: “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no-one alive that is youer than you.” “Be who you are and say what you mean. Because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr Seuss