A bit green about the gills

G’day Shipmates, Welcome to day 3 of our adventure in Australia’s National Sail Training Ship. The ship remained at anchor overnight in Crookhaven Bight. During the night the wind remained a strong southerly and the Ship rode comfortably at anchor off Currarong. The youth crew kept anchor watches through the night helping to keep the ship safe by making sure we remained within our anchor’s swinging circle, doing weather observations and conducting engineering rounds to make sure our machinery and fridges/freezers were running correctly. As the sun rose, a cheerful Wakey Wakey song from Sail Master James’ collection was played over the Ship’s broadcast encouraging the crew to get out of bed and get on deck for an early morning activity (EMA) to get the blood flowing and the mind active. After another of Marcus’ spectacular breakfasts (including, cereals, fresh tropical fruit, toast and pastries) we gathered on the bridge for the morning brief. Today ‘Nana Diesel’ (Horto) made her first appearance, giving tips on shipboard hygiene and cleanliness. She then taught the youthies the first of her nautical songs ‘Crabs and Seashells’. After cleaning stations, or ‘Happy Hour’ as we call it, the crew got a 3-Way Chat demonstration from the Staffies, after which they received a boat brief from the Sail Master and then Watch Officer Evan began ferrying them ashore to Currarong beach in the Seaboat. After 90 minutes ashore to play a few organised games and stretch their legs the youth crew returned onboard in time for delicious lunch. That was followed by round two of Rope Races, which led into Harry’s briefing of the youthies on Navigation. This brief was aimed at providing them with the theoretical knowledge they need on this subject for command day. Then we held the activity known as ‘3-way-chats’. Earlier in the day the youth crew were broken up into groups of 3 and had to learn about each other to enable them to speak for 2-3 minutes on either of their group members. It is a very effective way for the whole group to learn more about each other as well as providing them with a public speaking challenge. I was very pleased that everyone had taken the task seriously and had learnt enough about each other to be able to talk for the 3 minutes. Judging by the level of laughter and interaction the activity was a big success. Dinner followed and once the café and galley were cleaned up we weighed anchor and decided to brave the wind and swell and recommence our passage south. The southerlies are forecast to peak at 35 knots at 2300 and then begin to abate the southerly swells will no doubt also begin to gradually reduce in height. Overnight the youth crew will experience their first set of at-sea night watches. Until tomorrow.  Yours Aye Captain Mike