Ashore to Eden

As we continued our way South towards Twofold Bay, the changing wind required the watches to set and furl different sails throughout the night. The stars were out in full force and the Southern Cross seemed close enough to reach out and touch. All in all it was a pleasant night to be at sea.At morning brief, Engineer Stewy made a disappointing harvest with his scran bag. This is actually good news because it means that the Youth Crew are in the habit of ensuring that their gear is properly secured. Salty Sea Dog Lukish explained a commonly heard phrase originating with Admiral Nelson as his story of the day. At happy Hour, Captain John was the celebrity inspector. All hands had worked hard and the Ship was spic and span. After morning tea, the red watch increased their lead in the second round of rope races. At 11:00 YOUNG ENDEAVOUR anchored in Twofold Bay. All green faces immediately resumed their usual hue and the Youth Crew mustered forCaptain John’s sailing theory lecture. This was an interactive explanation of how the Ship is propelled by her sails, and of how the forces acting upon her are manipulated to allow her to manoeuvre.After a well attended lunch, all hands were ferried ashore to Eden. The Youth Crew visited the Killer Whale museum and learned about the story of ‘Old Tom’. The local shops didn’t know what had hit them as the Youth Crew descended upon their stocks of lollies. All hands were back onboard by 17:00 and after supper the last scheduled activity of the day took place. Three-way talks requires each member of the Youth Crew to learn the life story of two others, and then repeat one of those person’s story back to the assembled Ship’s Company, as if they were that person. As well as being very entertaining, it ensures that people from the different watches get to know one another.We have just finished some maintenance on two of the sails. The upperdeck has been squared away and the Youth Crew have closed up in their anchor watches. They only have to spend an hour on watch overnight so they should be fighting fit and ready to face Bass Strait tomorrow.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Ship is fitted with roller furling gear on the head sails and the ‘Tween mast staysails. This allows only three or four hands to quickly set, reef and furl these sails. YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Reef-To put a reef in a sail is to reduce the area of that sail by tying a section of it together using reef points. Roller reefing is carried out by rolling part of the sail around its stay. Halyard- a rope or wire line, sometimes with a chain tackle, used for hoisting sails, yards or flags.Thought of the Day: We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are. Anais Nin.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RANThis is Pam signing in for Blue Team currently on watch as we anchor at Eden. The experience on the Young Endeavour so far has at least personally been extremely trying. Try battling with wind and shaky swell with sea legs that seem to be taking forever to emerge. I have to say that I do really miss home right now, especially my Chriswho may be reading this way back in Fairfield, NSW. I will have many stories about pirates (or at least people who think they are) and setting sails to tell at the end of this voyage. Though right now this seems almost the hardest thing that I have ever had to do, I’ll be glad to have taken up the challenge and at the very least know with certainty what are the most important things in my life.Pam, Fairfield, NSW