Day 5 – Hervey Bay

Ahoy there everyone,Welcome to day five of our voyage, the morning commenced at anchor with a rousing tune from Sail Master Joel, when everyone mustered on deck at 0700 under a brilliant blue sky, it was time for a second invigorating swim in Platypus Bay to welcome the new day, then it was into breakfast, morning brief and happy hour as we were visited by more whales, dolphins and even a large green sea turtle. With light winds the ship weighed anchor and motor sailed to the northern end of Hervey Bay where the ship conducted a series of rotational tacks. This activity required the three Youth Crew watches to rotate through each of the tacking positions enabling each member to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the sails and yards are handled during this important manoeuvring evolution. At lunch Chef Adrian out performed himself as usual providing a superb selection of fine cuisine as the ship continued motor sailing north. After lunch Leon the Engineer conducted round two of non-competitive ‘Rope Races’ enabling the Youth Crew to challenge themselves by continuing to consolidate their knowledge of the ships equipment by identifying various equipment located around the upper decks. During the afternoon the ship conducted a series of demonstrational tacks. This enabled each Youth Crew member the opportunity to stand on the bridge and observe the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked through the wind. These set of tacks consolidated the sail theory and practical deck work instruction gained over the previous five days. Each of the watches under the facilitation of their watch leader then conducted mid voyage talks where each discussed individual and collective progression against their initial goals, then reset priorities and revised goals for the remainder of the voyage. Just prior to dinner the ship tacked around the northern end of Fraser Island before shutting down the engines and sailing south on a close reach port tack under fore and aft plain sail paralleling the Fraser Coast 12 nautical miles to seaward. As a team they have progressed enormously both individually and collectively as the voyage continues to gain momentum. Many have achieved goals they would never have thought possible at the commencement of the voyage showing true perseverance, determination and commitment. It is pleasing to note that the majority of the crew have been awarded their sea legs and are revelling in the warmer conditions. The intention is remain at sea overnight continuing to make ground to the south while each of Youth Crew watches will conduct a challenging leadership and teamwork exercise by achieving an unfamiliar task in a limited amount of time. Until tomorrow evening, take care. Yours Aye Captain Damien