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Captain's Log
25 May 2000
Another Brisbane approaches
The wind has remained fresh from the north for the past 24 hrs and the crew has been putting in the big ones to work the ship north against wind and current. The ship tacked every couple of hours during the day and then overnight with every watch change. Everybody onboard is tired but happy. Most of the sickies are now feeling better as well.Around midday yesterday we spotted the HMAS BRISBANE, a navy destroyer, heading south towards us. I gave them a call on the radio and requested a ‘fly by’. BRISBANE were obliging and they came close down our port side at speed and then came up our starboard side. She made a great sight. I was particularly pleased as BRISBANE is my next ship.The youth crew have settled into their watchkeeping routine now and have been putting their new navigation skills to work. Just prior to morning brief, we saw our first whale, a hump back, at close quarters. So close, I had to take avoiding action to miss it. The whale seemed totally oblivious to our presence.Our battle against wind and current has delayed our arrival at Coffs Harbour and we will hopefully arrive there early afternoon tomorrow. We still have a lot of sailing to do.Chat tomorrowAndrew
Latitude/Longitude:
31° 45' South / 153° 15'
Conditions:
Course 310, Speed 7kts, Wind 020/18kts, Temp 18, partly cloudy
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Brisbane
03 October 2023
Day 8 – Ahoy Port Stephens!
Ahoy there landlubbers, armchair sailors and of course our salty sea pups! Welcome to the Captain’s Log for Day 8, where has the time gone?! It’s Captain Libby back at the helm for tonight as our salty sea pups in training have had a big day!
Day 8 dawned bright and sunny over the waters of the Hunter Coast. We were woken to the tune of Elmo’s Song and a very realistic impression by Angus, which turned into quite the ear worm! After the Morning Brief with our favourite characters there was time for some final setting and furling before Captain’s Setting and Furling later in the day.
Captain’s Setting and Furling is where the Youthies work as a team in their watches to set and furl sails while Engineer Shaun and I watch on to ensure they’re all swept up on their sail handling and deck safety before Command Day. I am very pleased to report they all passed with flying colours!
As the forecast strong winds closed in, Young Endeavour bravely ran away, seeking shelter in Port Stephens Bay for the evening. Once settled at anchor it was time for the final rounds of Rope Races including a special bonus round. But the day was not even close to being over!
After a special Mexican Night themed dinner (thanks Ash and Master Chefs!) the Youthies gathered at midships for the evening’s activities. To begin it was the Command Day brief, outlining the rules and requirements ahead of Command Day tomorrow. Then, Command Day Elections! This is where our Youthies use their own method of voting to choose their own Command Team to lead them through the 24 hours they own the ship. I am very pleased to announce they made the following selections: Captain – Brittney, Sail Master – Amelie, Navigators – Kai and Terrance, Watch Officer – Brodie, Watch Leaders – Will F, Charlie and Angus C, and Chefs – Rachel, Mads and Eden.
Congratulations to all! I’m sure you’ll serve your fellow Youthies well as you all come together to take on the challenges during your Command Day!
Well, that’s all I have time for folks! Tune in tomorrow to see how our brave salty sea pups have fared!
Captain Libby+
Brisbane
02 October 2023
Day 7 – Hands to Tacking Stations!
Ahoy there! Hands to Tacking Stations!! Welcome to the Captains Log for Day 7!
We have finally departed Coffs Harbour and are back sailing the high seas! Last night, us Youthies returned to our usual night watch postings. This morning started merrily for most to the delightful sound of today’s wakey-wakey song, ‘Slice of Heaven’. We jumped out of bed to croissants, apricot danishes and, orange and almond loaf slices. It was then our daily Morning Brief covering: the Plan for the day with Chucky, the Weather with Trevor, getting ship-shape with Charlotte, and an inspiring quote from the one and only Captain Libby.
Morning brief ended with mid voyage watch chats to revise, alter, and gauge our group and personal goals. After the happiest of hours cleaning the ship, the Youthies moved onto the “Rules of the Road” with Watch Officer Charlotte to learn how to prevent collisions at sea.
Without fail, Chef Ash cooked up a storm once again with an amazing lunch as we started preparing ourselves for a very busy afternoon. Learning our stations for Tacking and Wearing the ship, us Youthies found perfection in our practice as we finally start to feel a sense of confidence in working our lines. After a quick siesta up on deck, sunkissed faces gathered for Captain Libby’s “Sailing Theory for Dummies by a Dummy” (we disagree with that title!).
Chucky then gave time for the Youth crew to reflect on our time on the ship so far, what bad habits we want to stop, what new goals we want to start practicing, and what we want to continue doing. A lot of us want to start cleaning our rooms as clean as this ship!
The day ended with watches and dinner as we continue to make our way southerly overnight as we sail to Newcastle. Many tired but happy faces were seen all over the ship today as sleep deprivation yet excitement for the remaining few days starts to set in.
As we are reminded of the loved ones at home, we added to our ever-growing nautical greeting.
Are you head wind? Because I luff you (and miss you too)!
- Maya, Caitlin, Aida, Will
Brisbane
01 October 2023
Day 6 – Dolphins Ho!
Ahoy there! Fine lines fore and aft! Welcome to the Captain’s Log for Day 6!
After the last night of anchor watches with new groups, the Youthies were awoken by an ear-raking blast from the speakers only a handful of people recognised as ‘Karma Chameleon’. After a relaxed breakfast of pancakes courtesy of Chef Ash and her helping hands Mads, Terrence and Maya, the crew got ready for a morning ashore at beautiful Coffs Harbour.
After the crew headed down to the shore at top speeds with the help of Salty Charlotte, we all participated in tug-o-war, digging absurdly large holes in the sand, and a few sneaky games of beach volleyball. The Youthies got to use this opportunity to not only get to know the new Watch Leader Christine, but to also strengthen their bonds with other Youthies and Staffies.
Happy Hour came and went as the Youthies scrubbed, mopped and wiped the ship clean for our journey, and feasted ravenously on Chef Ash’s dishes of roast chicken and hotdogs with bacon and onions. After tearing through the water at top speed in the forenoon, all the Youthies and Staffies got ‘ship-shape’ as we prepared to weigh anchor and go south towards Newcastle, our final destination.
As the Youthies learnt about the wonders of the square sails, pods of dolphins swam alongside the Young Endeavour as we heaved and checked in on the many lines that reached into the heights of the masts. With the winds in our favour, we turned our engines off and utilised the power of the sails to send Young Endeavour down the East coast in record speed, despite treacherous waves and strong swells.
As we tucked into a sensational dinner of steak and mushroom sauce, pork and apple sauce, apple crumble, and jelly (once again courtesy of Cheffo Ash and the new masterchefs Angus, Britt and Rachel), the watches braced for the harsh conditions of 30 knot winds and waves crashing onto the decks with dangerous ferocity. Despite the weather, the Youthies are happy to be back on the sea with the wind behind our backs, charging down the coast with overwhelming enthusiasm!
- Angus <3 & Tarni & Kai
