Login
Captain's Log
18 November 2005
ANCHORED TWOFOLD BAY, EDEN.
PAST 24 HOURSFABULOUS CONDITIONS WITH ALL YOUTH CREW SETTLING WELL INTO LIFE AT SEA ON A TALL SHIP. ALL WATCHES ARE NOW KEEPING TRICKS ON THE HELM, CONDUCTING ROUNDS, SAIL SETTING, TAKING NAVIGATION FIXES AND CLIMBING ALOFT. EXCELLENT PASSAGE SPEED OVERNIGHT AS THE SHIP ANCHORED AT TWOFOLD BAY THIS MORNING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE EDEN, PARTICIPATE IN BEACH GAMES AND HAVE WELL EARNED BREAK. ALL WELL AND ENJOYING THE DELIGHTS OF THE GALLEY.YOURS AYEBRENTON WITTLIEUTENANT COMMANDER, RANCAPTAIN STS YOUNG ENDEAVOUR
Latitude/Longitude:
35° 5' South / 149° 54' East
Conditions:
FINE
You might also be interested in
V13/22
24 November 2022
Day 10 – The Rip and our final destination
Ahoy there dear readers, this is the final night of the voyage and we can finally take a collective breath and relax our white-knuckle grip on the ship, as we have come safely to anchor in Corio Bay... in calm and benign waters once again. We remained at sea overnight continuing Command Day, motorsailing NW towards the famous Rip and here's Youth Captain Felix with a final wrap up:
2-6 Hey!
Youthie Captain Felix here to wrap up Part 2 of Command Day and what a day it was. Some expert navigation by our duo-team of Rish and Stephanie, accurate calls by our sailmaster Claire, and a dash of good vibes put out by yours truly, our young crew made it successfully through 50kt winds through the Bass Strait and on to Port Phillip Bay, catching the incoming tide right on time and cruising into the aforementioned bay without a hitch! With a job well done our Youthie Chef Dayna served a wonderous meal just before handover time back to the Staff Crew. A night of songs and celebrations has ensued and- oh! Time for me to head back to the dance floor! - Felix.
Youthie Quote: "It’s a beautiful bridge and it’s going to be there." – Kelly’s Heroes, Oddball
And so handover was conducted at 1300 just before entering the Rip and proceeding up the Western Channel. Youth Crew were given an opportunity for a wee siesta before re-grouping to debrief the Command Day activity and then once more with their Watch Leaders for End of Voyage debrief. We entered Corio Bay and came to anchor at 1730. Jarod had whipped up a pizza storm down below and so we all enjoyed a lovely view and chill with pizzas on deck. Marvelous. Then to round out the night, a final recapping of the voyage in the form of a photographic slide show and a bit of a dance party to celebrate Clay's birthday. Happy Birthday shipmate. Well, that’s that. 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 - some, friends for life. What a fantastic job we have. Yes, we know. Yours Aye, Captain Adam Charlie Farley+
V13/22
23 November 2022
Day 9 – Command Day
Ahoy! I, Youthie Captain Felix James Connelly, have the privilege of writing about Part 1 of Command Day.
The day started with another of Matty’s wake-up songs over the pipes followed by many a bleary eyed sailor making their way upon deck for a morning game. Then, feeling a little more energised, all crew mates climbed the ladders down to the galley for another delicious and nutritious breakfast. Another successful Happy Hour ensued with all members putting in an A+ effort and once completed it was time for the youthie crew to take command!
With a small ceremony of handing over of the captain’s hat, spy glass, and keys to the ship I couldn’t help but be reminded of when my dad handed me the keys to the car for my first solo drive. After a brief all crew meeting the key leadership split off to discuss the 25 tasks we are to complete as a crew over the following 24 hours whilst the freshly elected youthie watch leaders led their new watches, conglomerates of the previous watches, in their new tacking stations and responsibilities.
Once this had been completed the Staffies weighed anchor and led us out of our home away from home for the last 4 days, Sealers Cove VIC. With watches at the ready sails were unfurled and set as we made our way west and into the Bass Strait.
Whilst the rains have eased up and the winds are slightly abating she has still not been kind, 2.5m swells and a headwind from the west has meant over 4 hours of this afternoon was spent tacking to-and-fro in the effort to avoid an inshore traffic zone located off Wilsons Promontory. All parties approached this challenge with great zeal and optimism, overcoming the unfamiliarity of their positions and new watches with success. With the worst behind us and a southerly shifting wind spirits are on the rise with our goal of Port Phillip Bay ever closing in.
It has been a pleasure to lead this team of incredibly resilient and persevering young people in the first half of this Command Day I look forward to tomorrow with excitement and passion.
Farewell,
Felix James Connelly
Youthie Captain’s quote: You can’t fight that wave Cody, you can’t fight that big wave. You’ve gotta go with the grain." – Surf’s Up, Big Z
V13/22
22 November 2022
Day 8 – Command Day Elections
Ahoy there dear readers,
Day 8 found us sheltered in the lee of Wilsons Promontory, in the lovely Sealers Cove... again. Snuggly spot, but we're still being peppered by gales. Today the ante was upped as the average wind speed measured 35-40 kts, gusting to 50 at times!
Yet the program continued with an early morning activity at 0630 then Colours and morning brief at 0800, which for the first time in a couple of days we managed to do from the bridge as there was a gap in the rain. Hands turned-to cleaning stations, then Youthie’s practiced some sail handling with their Watch Leaders. Command Day is tomorrow don't you know, and everyone wants to perform at their best!
Speaking of the best, Jarod cooked up another banging buffet for lunch. Then Sumo swiped the siesta sleep out of everyone’s eyes with yet another round of Rope Races. Everyone knows the ship like their hands now, so it's basically a competition of the fastest power walkers, as running is not allowed.
After that Matty and the Watch Leaders took the Youthies through Rotational Tacks, then I took them through Demonstrational Tacks. This is giving them an appreciation of what's required in all positions, including from the bridge during Tacking Stations - Essential knowledge for tomorrow. After that it was time for Youth Crew to demonstrate their sail handling skills for myself and Sumo, to endorse them as safe and competent. And indeed everyone was safe and competent, a testament to their dedication and efforts to learn the ropes this past week.
Command Day brief was next and yours truly gave them the run down on what to expect and how things will go down tomorrow. In short we hand over keys to the ship, along with Navigation Instructions and the Command Day Task List at 1300 then go on holidays! Just kidding, we will of course be on hand to ensure Youth Crew are kept safe and on track, watching closely from the shadows... Dinner was delicious - No surprises there! Then Command Day elections took place and I have the honour to announce the following elected Youth Crew Command Day positions:
Captain - Felix Connelly
Sail Master - Claire
Navigators - Rish and Stephanie
Watch Officer - Emma
Watch Leaders - Armani, Hayden and Lachy
Chefs - Dayna, Clay, Ben and Hutchy.
Oh, and Flag Master - Woodsy (?)
Congratulations everyone, I'm sure you'll serve your crew well.
Well, that's another day done.... Staffie’s favourite movie was shown then the Youthie's turned-to anchor watches. A big day is ahead as we commence Command Day, weigh anchor and make a dash into Port Phillip Bay.
Stay tuned tomorrow night and hear all about our continued adventures.
Yours Aye, Captain Adam Charlie Farley+