At sea and back to Whitehaven Beach

Ahoy shipmates,Well we are back at Whitehaven Beach doing it very tough. As I write the Youth Crew are enjoying popcorn and lollies amidships watching a movie…but lets go back to the start of what was another very busy day. After consolidating their sailing skills at sea to the north of the Whitsundays, the morning found the ship once more heading south, returning to paradise. At 0700 Engineer Brett and myself commenced “Captains Setting and Furling”, where we observe each watch individually as they set and furl sails as designated by myself, to ensure they can do so safely without supervision…an important step as we lead in tomorrow’s Command Day. I am pleased report that all passed with flying colours…a credit to their staffie watch leaders. On completion we rolled straight into morning brief, happy hour, and rope races as we transited down the western side of Hook Island. Then, as we made our way east, once again through the picturesque Hook Passage, we were buzzed by “2001”, one of the large fast cats up here that take tourists out to the islands. The occasion was a special one for staff crew member Karly as her parents were onboard “2001”. After much waving and some tears, we passed through Hook Passage and made our way to the south east. After lunch it was time for the final “right of passage” for Command Day…the “Captain’s Challenge”. We came to a stop in the water and basically set Young Endeavour adrift, with instructions to the Youth Crew to set sails and get us underway again. Will a little head scratching and much discussion, the task was achieved. And no sooner had they succeeded that they were told to hand in (put away) all sail for our transit to our current position at anchor off Whitehaven Beach. On arrival the pool was opened and a voyage favourite, the rope swing, made it’s first appearance with much fun had by all. It was then time for some cheese and bickies on deck before I gave the Command Day Brief, instructing the Youth Crew on the positions to be filled on Command Day and the responsibilities involved. Another teak deck BBQ followed, and then the Youth Crew conducted their Command Day elections. The elected Captain and Sailmaster will be writing tomorrow night’s log, and will fill you in on further details. As stated at the outset, they are all relaxing under a moon lit night watching the movie “Around Cape Horn”, a tale of tall ships of old and a good motivational tool for tomorrow’s Command Day. It will then be an early night for some much needed rest before a very busy 24 hour period. And with that I will bid you adieu.Fair windsCaptain Kenny