Building a Cold Front

Situation at 20:00- Overnight the Youth Crew learnt how to steer the Ship and carry out the duties of the lookout. They also conducted below deckrounds. At the turn of the morning watch all hands were called on deck to wear Ship.At 07:00 all hands were shaken by a terrific wakey wakey pipe. Breakfast and showers followed. At morning brief Navigator Philshowed us the progress we made overnight. He noted that the ‘Spewometer’ was reading very high but hoped that favourable weatherthroughout the day would see it fall. The Salty Sea Dog regaled us with another of her hilarious descriptions of the origins of anautical expression. Engineer Stewy was slow to arrive on the bridge because of the immense load of personal gear he had found sculling and used to fill his scrab bag. Almost all of the Youth Crew and someof the Staff Crew were fortunate enough to have their gear returned to them by Stewy. Naturally enough there was a price to pay for this service… Happy hour was a more subdued event then it was yesterday. Nonetheless, XO Paige was pleased with the results and the Ship was spic and span from stem to stern. An excellent morning tea followed.Then it was time for XO Paige to lead the Youth Crew in the first episode of ‘Rope Races’. This is the only inter-watch competitive activity during the voyage and it is designed to improve Ship’sknowledge and an understanding of nautical terminology.After lunch (thanks Stony) Captain John delivered his lecture on sailing theory. This was an interactive lesson in the basics of how a sail works and some of the considerations taken into account when handling sail. The rest of the afternoon was spent basking in the sun and catching up on sleep. Because of yesterday’s hectic pace,today has been an easy day in order for the Youth Crew to fully adjust to life onboard a Tallship.The wind is building as a cold front moves through our area and overnight we are expecting the wind to back around to theSou’West. This will require the watch-on-deck to handle sail as we shorten in to meet the changing conditions. The storm sails arehoisted and hanging in stops ready for use if necessary.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Ship has a suite of thirteen sails to choose from for varying weather conditions. These range fromthe Drifter, used in light air conditions, to the Storm Jib and Main Trysail, used during heavy weather. All the sails are made from Dacron, a modern sail cloth that is much stronger and heavier than canvas.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Tacking- Changing the direction of the Ship by passing the bow through the wind. This is a complexmanoeuvre that requires precise timing and teamwork. Wearing-Changing the direction of the Ship by passing the stern through thewind.Thought of the Day: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RAN