Day 10 – Final Night Of Our Voyage

Hi Everyone, We started this morning at 0630 with an early morning activity followed by another one of Chef Hayden’s hearty breakfasts. At 0815 the anchor was weighed and we transited the short distance to Gladstone Marina were we berthed starboard side to the Services Jetty at 0900. After sullage (garbage) was landed and some stores embarked, 18 guests from Gladstone Community Linking Agency and a number of other guests were welcomed onboard. At 1000 with all guests onboard I gave my welcome address which was followed by Dougy the Safety Officers safety brief. At 1010 the lines were cast off and we departed the marina and headed out into Gladstone Harbour were the engines were shut down and the ship brought under sail. In near perfect conditions our guests enjoyed a most memorable 3 hour sail with the Youth Crew acting as the perfect hosts and also demonstrating the sailing skills that they have learnt over the past 10 days At 1305 we returned to our berth at the Gladstone Marina were we farewelled our guests then embarked dry and frozen provisions for the next voyage. This afternoon whilst still alongside the Youth Crew proceeded ashore with their respective Watch Leaders for end of voyage talks then on their return participated in their final round of rope races prior to proceeding aloft to complete harbour furls (very neat furls). At 1650 with these furls complete and everyone back on deck we again departed our berth and proceeded out to anchor in Gladstone Harbour. This evening for dinner we enjoyed Hayden’s famous Young Endeavour pizza’s which was followed by the screening of a photo slide show put together by the Youth Crew which captured various moments and experiences during this voyage. This slide show has become a popular part of the Young Endeavour Program and gives the Youth Crew an opportunity to reflect on the past 10 days and their amazing experiences throughout the voyage. The rest of this evening has been spent with the Youth Crew completing end of voyage questionnaires and “letters to themselves”, which are returned to each Youth Crew member six months after voyage completion. Whilst the Youth Crew were completing these final administration tasks the Staff Crew took the opportunity to conduct our normal end of voyage debrief. Tomorrow morning following breakfast and morning brief the anchor will be weighed and once the Youth Crew have manned the yards we will proceed alongside berthing for the final time for this voyage at Gladstone Marina’s Service Jetty at 0930. Once alongside family and friends will be invited onboard for a tour of the ship and to witness my final address and the presentation of Certificates of Achievement to all of the Youth Crew. Following this presentation we will say our final emotional farewell to the Youth Crew of Voyage 09/13 as they depart the ship. On a personal note, I would like to thank all of the Youth Crew of Voyage 09/13 for the effort that you put in throughout this voyage. You are a great group of young Australians and all of the Staff Crew of Young Endeavour have thoroughly enjoyed spending the past 11 days sailing with all of you.Prior to the Ship sailing for Brisbane I will hand Command over to Captain Matt who will Captain the ship for the next voyage. It has been fantastic being back onboard and I look forward to returning again later in the year. Until then, take care. Yours Aye Captain Gav