Day 1 – Queens Wharf Wellington Harbour

G’day shipmates, Welcome to Young Endeavour’s Voyage 19 for 2013. Our journey starts in the New Zealand’s Windy City of Wellington. The Ship has been here since Thu 07 Nov when it completed V 18/13 Auckland to Wellington. We have a magnificent tall ship, plenty of wind for our sails and the Tasman Sea to cross. The potential is limitless and sense of adventure is infectious. I would like to introduce the Team of Staff Crew that will facilitate this voyage of adventure: Captain – Mike Sail Master – Dion Navigator – Jen Watch Officer – Guv Red Watch Leader – Penny White Watch Leader – Doughie Blue Watch Leader – Tilly Chef – Haydo Engineer – Sumo Navy Doctor Rob 3rd Mat from Spirit of NZ Davin Voyage 19 officially commenced at 1500 today when the Youth Crew were welcomed onboard the Ship. We had planned to sail at 1600 but due to the relatively high winds forecast and the likelihood the shelter available at the anchorages in the harbour was questionable, I decided to remain alongside overnight. We began the afternoon’s activities with a few ‘Ice Breakers’ to enable the Youth Crew to start getting to know each other. That was followed by a presentation on Safety Equipment by ‘Captain Safety’, Dougie’s alter-ego, and detailed tours of the Ship. We broke for dinner at 1715 and the Youth Crew got their first taste of Haydo’s cooking, which included four choices of main course and two of dessert. Judging by the number of crew coming back for seconds it was a big hit. Once we had cleaned up from dinner, I had a chat to the Youth Crew about what their voyage would entail. On completion, Dion, as Sail Master, gave his talk about some of the rules and safety aspects of Young Endeavour before giving a safety aloft brief and a demonstration on how to climb the foremast. On completion I undertook a harness confidence check for all members of Youth Crew. This involved each member attaching to a man overboard davit, trained inboard over the deck, and inverting to show they will not fall out of their harnesses. This is our final safety check prior to commencing our first climbs. This evening, with some nerves and a great deal of courage and determination every member of the Youth Crew undertook their first climb above the deck and made it to the Topgallant Yard on the foremast. This was a huge achievement on the first day onboard and in the cold and very windy conditions. This completed today’s activities and after a hot cup of cocoa the crew turned in for their first night’s sleep onboard Young Endeavour. I am very pleased to report that all of the Youth Crew has done extremely well on their first day and I am from the outset impressed with both their individual efforts and team attitude. Early tomorrow morning we plan to depart Wellington Harbour and shape a course to cross Cook Strait and enter Queen Charlotte Sound, where we will anchor tomorrow evening. Until my next log entry, take care. Yours Aye Captain Mike