Round Top Island

16 Feb Round Top Island

Yesterday afternoon the ship came to anchor on completion of Command Day near the appropriately named Round Top Island just south of Mackay. The small shelter provided in the lee of this island madefor an uncomfortable night at anchor, however with our youth crew’s now iron stomachs, the only discomfort was the frustration involved when items not correctly stowed found new places of residence on the deck.After anchoring the youth crew’s Beach Ready Assault Team were tasked to find a bride for Brother Nootsie in an attempt toplease the ‘Bringer of Wind’ such that the winds would abate to a reasonable level, under 10 knots being defined as a reasonable level. Brother Nootsie chose to return to YOUNG ENDEAVOUR for the occasion,and whilst being pleasantly suprised and delighted with the offerings made, unfortunately forgot to turn of the wind when he returned to his mythical residence, believed to be somewhere in the staff fourberth.A rather exhausted youth crew mustered on deck after a scrumptious dinner for their final round of Rope Races. This hotlycontested round included all Watch Leaders singing a song when no one was able to locate the part of ship as directed by Engineer Rags. Even Rags’ plan backfired on him when he had to sing a song after notbeing able to correctly identify the four ropes on board the ship.Congratulations to Blue Watch who won overall on points, and have the honour of laying aloft to the Topgallant for our arrival tomorrow.A quiet (if uncomfortable) night gave way to an early start as the ship prepared for the Half Day Sail, with Life StreamFoundation of Mackay. The arrival alongside Mackay Marina at 0900 in a relatively tight space with a larger than usual ship was carried out successfully due to excellent line handling by the staff crew and their able assistants.Our guests from Life Stream Foundation came onboard and the Ship departed the berth at 1000. Life Stream Foundation aim to givepeople with disabilities the opportunity to experience things they would not normally have the chance of doing, and sailing a tall ship is one such experience. As the ship cleared the harbour sails were set and YOUNG ENDEAVOUR made its way to the north east of Slade Island. The youth crew and our guests interacted very well, andeveryone was fully involved with sail handling, until the swell started to take its toll on our guests and the recently consumed donuts, cream buns and flavoured milks started to reappear all overthe ship.The decision was made to come in at 1200 and continue the program alongside, thus the ship berthed one hour early. The re-emergence of appetites was met with a selection of meat pies, sausagerolls, small pizza’s and sushi, followed by a large birthday cake, celebrating the first birthday of Life Stream. Thankfully the stable environment alongside ensured the only belly aches were caused by eating too much great food.This afternoon the youth crew will carry out their end of voyage talks, present an act at the Ship’s Concert (SOD’s Opera) andenjoy a pleasant night alongside.Young Endeavour Fact File:YOUNG ENDEAVOUR is 44m (144ft) long, 7.8m (26ft) wide and has a draught of 4.2m. The Yards increase the beam to 13m, however this can be mitigated by bracing them hard to port or starboard or cockbilling for coming alongside. YOUNGENDEAVOUR does not always handle in a conventional manner when manoeuvring using main engines. The underwater shape aft, low engine power, windage aloft and close proximity of the two propellers are all influential factors” (YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Navigation Data Book)Thought of the Day: “”I am glad I did it