At Anchor – Wangaparoa, Nth Is
Command Day went very well despite Mother Nature being against the team. When the ship needed to go north we had northerly winds, once able to bear away to the west we had the wind back to the west and finally on entering the Hauraki Gulf the course required was south west and you guessed it, another wind shift to the SW. Accordingly this youth crew became very proficient at tacking as we tacked every few hours throughout the day and night.The youth crew chefs did a superb job in the galley and everybody was certainly well fed. Despite the lack of sleep, the whole crew kept on going and maintained very high spirits to the very end.The ship anchored right on time at 0800. This was shortly followed by morning brief. During the brief, the youth crew captain presented an Australia Day medallion to Chief Petty Officer John ‘Hector’ Crawford. Hector has provided excellent service as bosun and watch leader in Young Endeavour for nearly three years. In particular his ability to relate to young people and inspire them to greater heights has been outstanding. I thought it appropriate that the youth crew captain should present the award. This is Hector’s last voyage and his presence and humour will be missed.The beach assault team departed the ship to rousing cheers to paddle ashore to claim a bit of prime Kiwi real estate for the youth of Australia. With flag firmly planted in the ground a rousing rendition of our anthem was ‘sung’ over the VHF radio so all onboard could share in the moment. The crew then proceeded ashore for a sports day and Australia Day BBQ.This afternoon we will conduct a debrief for the Command Day, followed by harbour furling of all sails. In the evening we will hold a ships concert on the upper deck which I expect will be good for a laugh. And I guess while we’re here, we may as well watch some America’s Cup yacht racing. What a coincidence that we anchored rightnext to the race course. How lucky is that.
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
At anchor Wangaparoa, Wind 220/10kts, Temp 20, sunny.
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Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike