Whitsunday Passage and Cid Harbour

Ahoy shipmates,Today was one of those days that make you glad to be alive. After a night under sail (including a midnight tack – always popular!), and with each watch consolidating their newly learnt skills, sunrise found us sailing past the magnificent Pentacost Island as we made our way towards the southern entrance to the Whitsunday Passage. After a hearty breakfast and morning brief, and with the wind freshening to 15 knots,  we slipped straight into rotational tacks, where each watch goes all the tacking stations positions that the Youth Crew are responsible for. Under sunny skies we all then enjoyed a glorious transit through the passage, taking in the sights of Dent Island, Long Island, Hamilton Island, South Molle Island, and more, finally arriving at our anchorage off Sawmill Beach in Cid Harbour in the early afternoon. Quick as a flash, all were in their swimming attire and the pool was opened…yes swimming in winter…who’d have thought. Once the Youth Crew had their fill of jumping off the boat, it was the mundane but important task of cleaning the boat (happy hour). Noting that in a few days the Youth Crew will be taking Command of this fine vessel for 24 hours, Ian (aka Salty) imparted his wisdom regarding the rules of the road at sea (i.e. how not to bump into other ships). Mixed in amongst all this activity was round two of rope races. Twilight saw all crew enjoying a cheese platter and deck games, whilst yours truly provided the culinary skills for the first teak deck BBQ of the voyage. The penultimate activity for the day was an early evening climb in beautiful conditions to sea furl the top gallant, topsail and main sail. The day closed with the Youth Crew being briefed on their anchor watch responsibilities, as they will be assisting in keeping the ship safe overnight. And then with weary smiles, it was time to hit the hay in preparation for Day 5…bound to be another busy one as we take in the beauty of this part of the world. Until tomorrow.Fair winds,Captain Kenny Ahoy family and friends! Today we began our day sailing through the Whitsunday Passage and then anchored at Cid Harbour. In the morning we had a very special guest visit us (Nanna), reminding us the importance of maintaining tidy cabins. We had a beautiful lunch of tacos prepared by Zac the Chef, as well as Youthies, Zara, Jacob and Reilly. Everyone enjoyed a swim alongside the Young Endeavour; a well deserved treat after a mornings worth of tacking the ship and starting to work more efficiently as a team! Some chose to jump from the bowsprit at the very front of the ship, of course taking this opportunity for selfies.  After the swim we showered and organised our cabins and then began the happiest hour of the day onboard the ship and cleaned it from fore to aft. After happy hour the watches participated in highly competitive non-competitive Rope Races followed by a talk on the ‘rules of the road’ when it comes to sailing and other ships. We then had a relaxing afternoon playing games and eating delicious food on the deck, which consisted of a cheese platter and a barbeque cooked by our lovely captain, whilst watching the glorious tangerine sunset over the ocean. The perfect conditions of the Whitsunday waters have been so calm and relaxing, and we are all looking forward to another day at sea tomorrow!P.S A shout-out to Michelle, Owen, Caitlin, Mitch, Jeremy, Grandma and Grandad – I have so much to tell you about when I return! –Hayley “Opportunity favours the bold – if someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later”Richard Branson