Day Six – Strong Winds
Hi Everyone,                    Welcome to day 6 of our voyage. The Youth Crew were given a extra 30 minute sleep in this morning and were woken at 0700 where our early morning activity consisted of  a refreshing early morning swim, which also included some acrobatics from the Young Endeavour rope swing . Once out of the water we enjoyed an alfresco BBQ breakfast served on deck with Trimouille Island as our ‘picture perfect’ backdrop. Once we had cleaned up from breakfast we conducted morning brief which was followed by another good set of cleaning stations then   the Youth Crew were sent aloft to cast loose gaskets on the squares in preparation for our departure. This departure occurred sooner than we planned when at 1215 the wind strengthened to 28kts which caused us to drag anchor. Engines were quickly started so that we could weigh anchor then once clear of our anchorage we set the topsail and topgallant then shutdown main engines and quickly departed Benedictine Bay. Given that we now had some good sailing conditions we set as much sail as possible for these conditions and headed out to sea so that the Youth Crew could experience sailing the ship in some strong conditions. Late this afternoon we conducted a good set of rotational tacks then kept heading WNW until early evening when we wore ship, altered course to the SE then commenced closing the coast. Overnight in strong 25-30kt south westerly conditions the Youth Crew will complete the BEAREX (Teamwork and Communication exercise) as we continue to make good speed under sail towards the coastal town of Onslow which we have planned as our next anchorage. Until tomorrow, take care. Yours Aye Captain GavÂ
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Currently located 23nm to the NW of the Montebello Islands sailing close hauled under fore and aft sail and experiencing very strong 25-30kt SW winds with a 2-3m SW swell. Our current speed is 8kts and the temperature is 18 degrees.
You might also be interested in
Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike