And the Skies Opened

Situation at 20:00: When all hands were piped on deck this morning at 06:30, the wind was from the North at 30-35 knots and getting stronger. Despite the weather, the task at hand was to scrub down the upperdecks and bulwarks in order to have the Ship looking her best for the guests who were about to embark for the half-day sail.At 08:30 the wind had risen to 40-45 knots with gusts over 50. We weighed anchor and proceeded alongside our berth just as theskies opened. Because of the high winds and heavy seas, it was decided that it would be prudent to remain alongside and turn thehalf-day sail into a half-day event onboard. The guests were a group of visually impaired students escorted by the Visiting TeachersAssociation. The Youth Crew accepted the change to the plan in their stride and became thoroughly involved in hosting the guests. The experience proved to be a very positive one for both the Ship’s Company and the guests. The Youth Crew did an excellent job of making the guests feel welcome and were a great credit to themselves.Throughout the day the wind remained at gale force levels. Once the guests had cleared the Ship, the final installment of rope races was held. The mighty Bluies won a close competitionthat involved a terrific effort from all hands. The high winds prevented the square sails from being harbour furled, but all three watches laid aloft to make the sea furls as neat as possible. Once back on deck, the Watch Leaders took the Youth Crew through their end-of-voyage talks. This provided an opportunity for our cliental tocomment upon how they felt the voyage progressed. The Staff Crew are always seeking to improve the quality of the voyage program and ensure that it remains relevant to what our customers see as important. There were lots of positive comments and even a tear or two shed in sadness that the end of the voyage is drawing near.Overnight the Youth Crew will stay in sea watches. This will give them a chance to say an extended goodbye to one another,exchange contact details and write in each others copy of ‘The Life and Times of YOUNG ENDEAVOUR’.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: Incorporated into the rigging is the fall arrest system. This system, designed to prevent falls fromaloft of greater than 60 cm, consists of four main components. All hands are fitted with a sit harness equipped with two 60 cm long lanyards. The vertical component provides protection when climbing ordescending the ratlines. The transfer pennants are used to cross from the ratlines to the yards and the horizontal component is used when working on the yards. Overall, the system provides coverage for the entire time a climber is off the deck.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Bobstay- The wire, rope or chain running from the end of the bowsprit to the cutwater to providetension to the bowsprit and hence the Ship’s fore-and-aft rigging system. Cutwater- The area of a Ship’s bow where it meets thewaterline.Thought of the Day: People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances.The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them. George Bernard Shaw.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RAN