A New Captain

I took Command of Young Endeavour (that’s me in the photo) from Andrew Rourke last Thursday. It was a pleasure sailing with him and Gunna (I know you’re reading this) – you will always be welcome onboard. On Saturday evening the Sydney Reunion was held on the ship (and pontoon) and was extremely well attended. Over 230 came from all around Australia and from Voyages as far back as 1990. As usual it was a great night and lots of fun was had by people catching up with old shipmates. These nights always pass too quickly.Now to Voyage 15a/00, which is a voyage from Sydney to ….Sydney, and although we arrive back half way through the Olympic Games, we are determined not to miss seeing the Opening Ceremony. The new Youth Crew joined this afternoon and after a welcome we got underway to an early start. Staff Crew member ‘Ducky’ had the controls and took the ship away from the wharf for his first unberthing. Well done Quackas – you’re a legend.At present a strong wind warning is in force. After departing Garden Island, we motored down Sydney Harbour and anchored in Hunter’s Bay, where we will remain for the evening, getting underway mid- morning tomorrow. So far the Youth Crew have got to know their shipmates and ship and feasted on a great dinner that was prepared by masterchef, Woody. Presently they are climbing aloft for the first time and undertaking one of many challenges that will be offered to them. My first impression is that they are a good bunch and I am confident they will develop into a great team. They will keep watches overnight, climb to the mast top this time and learn to tie some new knots.The Staffies on for this Voyage are: Paul-XO, Damo-Nav, Nathan-Watch Officer, Ducky-White WL, Ange-Blue WL, Kath-Red WL, Woody-Chef and Eddie-Engineer.Tomorrow I will invite one of the Youth Crew to give an impression of their first day onboard.Speak to you thenAndrew Davis

Latitude/Longitude:

33Â° 49' South / 151Â° 15'

Conditions:

Situation at 1800: At Anchor Hunter's Bay, Balmoral Beach, Sydney, Windy and cold, but there's a full moon.

AUTHOR: Commanding Officer STS Young Endeavour

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V08/23

21 April 2023

Day 11– Fare thee well shipmates

Well ladies and gentlemen, and gentle people, today is the final day of V08/23 and woooo-hoooo! what a fantastic voyage it’s been. We’ve had some great sailing, some great anchorages and some great experiences. If Youth Crew leave us today with just one thing they’ve learnt about themselves, then I’m a happy Captain. But I’ll put money on the fact that they’ve learnt a bunch. Anyway, Youth Crew did one final happy hour this morning and then laid aloft as we weighed anchor from our Rose Bay anchorage. We then proceeded to sail through the most beautiful harbour in the world, before announcing our arrival by firing off a couple of shots from our cannon. With cannon bores clear and gun crews manning the yards, we signified our intention for a peaceful visit. All fast alongside HMAS Waterhen at 1000, friends and family were invited onboard for a look around before we said our final farewells. I’ve had a fantastic voyage and I know my staff did too. Thanks to the persistence, resilience and adaptability of the youthies, because they are the ones who made it a success. Well done everyone! Special thanks must also go to my amazing staff crew who did a sterling job throughout. Well, that’s it from me but like I said to the gang today, you may be leaving Young Endeavour but Young Endeavour will never leave you. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Yours Aye, Captain Adam Charlie Farley+

V08/23

20 April 2023

Day 10 – The Sydney penultimatum

Ahoy there dear readers, the penultimate day of V08/23 commenced at anchor in Watsons Bay, Sydney, amid increased winds and a little drizzle. Colours ceremony took place at 0800, followed by morning brief. Happy hour was next then, ashore to explore... Youth Crew were ferried to Watsons Bay wharf where they went for a stroll around the area including up to the cliffs of 'The Gap' and it's surrounds. Of course they found a coffee shop and stocked up with assorted beverages for their return trip. Ash had lunch ready on their return, after which a wee siesta was necessary. We then weighed anchor and proceeded for a harbour cruise, as youthies climbed the masts and set a couple of sails, then under the bridge we went. We hooked a u-turn and passed under the coat hanger once more, then past the nuns in a scrum... deja vu much? Anyway, Rose Bay was our destination and so we made a bee line and came to anchor to the east of Shark Island, with the most spectacular Sydney view to the west. Passing showers continued during the late afternoon and into the evening but that didn't dampen the crust on Ash's pizzas... no-no-no. They were crispy and saucy and tasty - bellisimo shipmates. Then a final recapping of the voyage in the form of a photographic slide show, and in song as Youthies Alice and Hamish played guitar and sang an original piece, inspired by the voyage. It was gorgeous, melodic and very memorable, dear readers, and don't be surprised if you see those names in lights very soon! Well, that’s that. This is the final night onboard YE for V08/23. 10 Days ago 24 youth crew from places various, came together to sail this vessel, have fun and challenge themselves. They have not only done that, but have faced and overcome fears and learnt a lot about themselves and each other along the way. Tomorrow they will leave with new skills, improved persistence, resilience and adaptability, as well as generally knowing they are more capable than what they probably thought. And of course, having made great new friends - most probably, friends for life. It never gets old for us staff members, as we truly love our work. Yours Aye, Captain Adam Charlie Farley+

V08/23

19 April 2023

Day 9 – Command Day part 2 (Ahoy Sydney Harbour!)

A good Wednesday to everybody! Felisha here. I'm writing from the bridge, to the reminiscent strains of Moana from the nearby disco dance floor... 'nuff' said. The wind has certainly been in our proverbial sails today, as we completed our "Command Day" passing the expectations of a few, and liberating the inner workhorses of all. We now sit at anchor in a peaceful Sydney Harbour, and will remain here tonight, giving all a good chance to catch up on much needed sleep after a challenging twenty-four hours. We accomplished everything on the task list given us, and were successful in all areas of expertise - sail handling, navigation, polishing the decks, and cooking exceptional food including three flavours of pancakes for breakfast this morning. We were given the double thumbs up from all members of the Staff Crew; so congratulations youth crew of VO8/23! We handed back the ship to our real captain - Captain Adam Charley Farley - who gladly excepted back the ships' keys and the ceremonial hat and telescope. The pool was then opened, after some safety briefs, and a demo from our 'Nav', and everyone had a chance to show off their moves on the rope swing, and giant lily pad. Lunch interrupted the fun, but was certainly not to be missed with a great variety of delicious food from our very own Cheffo, Ash. We then moved into some very worthwhile discussions on the take-away points of "Command Day", coming away with a greater appreciation for each other, the importance of teamwork and communication, and possibly a greater respect for those in positions of leadership - all great skills and lessons to take with us as we re-enter our usual lives shortly. After a brief time of relaxation, we enjoyed fresh bickies from Hoppy and Ash, and proceeded up the rat-lines to conduct harbour furls (packing the sails under UV protectant material in concertina folds, to both look presentable, and to protect it from sun damage). By the time we were finished with this project, the sun had set over the picturesque Sydney skyline, and Ash's wonderful dinner was waiting. After dinner, we rocked out to some of our favourite tunes sponsored by the staffies especially the untirable DJ Shaun, and the shuffle dance king of the night - Hutchy! There is no swell this evening, but the soundwaves certainly took their toll, as happy disco-goers have now retired to their racks to get some shut-eye before tomorrow. We send our love to family and friends, and look forward to recounting our epic tales once we've returned home.

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