Day 7 – Jervis Bay

Ahoy there everyone, Welcome to day seven, overnight the ship continued underway motor sailing across the Tasman Sea paralleling the Eurobodalla Coast. During the night the wind abated slowly and by dawn the ship was motor sailing at five knots under fore and aft sails on a broad reach starboard tack.All hands were roused by a red watch rendition of wakey wakey which heralded a superb morning under a clear blue sky as the ship passed the Sapphire Coast and entered Jervis Bay Marine Park. Once inside the confines of Jervis Bay the ship conducted a series of demonstrational tacks where each watch in turn stood on the bridge and watched the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked through the wind. These tacks consolidated the sail theory and practical deck work instruction gained over the previous seven days. On completion of demonstrational tacks a successful man overboard exercise was conducted utilising a life ring, this drill is conducted to ensure that all crew members are aware of their responsibilities and actions should this situation occur. With all sails handed in the ship proceeded to anchor opposite the Naval College HMAS CRESWELL. Once safely at anchor happy hour was conducted then Sail Master Kenny opened the Young Endeavour pool enabling all those adventurers to swing from the course yard arm rope or plunge from the bowsprit into the clear waters. The invigorating water temperature did not dampen the enthusiasm as the Youth Crew executed some commendable acrobatic pirouettes, somersaults and water entries.Next all the Youth Crew were ferried ashore by the ships boats onto Captains Beach were a number of team activities were conducted on the brilliant white sands culminating with a BBQ lunch cooked ashore. To work off the food a hike was conducted along Seamans Beach to the small coastal village of Hyams Beach.Once back onboard the Staff Crew created a dazzling array of Pizzas for dinner on the upper decks as the sun set behind the Boodoree National Park. With the Youth Crew now settled into anchor watches, the intention is to remain at anchor overnight prior to proceeding underway early tomorrow morning continuing north to the next scheduled anchorage at Port Hacking.Until tomorrow evening, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien