COMMAND DAY COMMENCES

A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.John A. Shedd, Salt from My Attic, 1928Ahoy there this is Youth Captain Jude,First things first we currently have the Young Endeavour sailing at speed to our final destination Sydney Harbour! The morning began with early exercises, a big breakfast, a thoroughly entertaining brief from the staff and a swim off the boat. We relaxed and enjoyed ourselves with the knowledge that the coming 24hours of responsibility beginning at 1300 would take all of our collective skill, energy and teamwork to get us through. The elected command team took the morning to discuss their respective roles with the staff that they would be replacing. Trying to guess the difficulties they might face over 24 hours at the whim of the ocean and wind.Music was played over the PA system as the staff all came out on deck dressed in their flashiest outfits singing going on a summer holiday. The time was 1300. It was time for the Youth Crew to receive their list of objectives for the next 24 hours and create a plan of action, drawing on the knowledge and experience of 7 days sailing. The captain presented me with a captain’s hat, the original antique telescope sent out from England with the Young Endeavour and Her Majesty’s Orders. We cheered in celebration as we assumed control of our 22 million dollar vessel.New watches were created. No longer was the ship merely relying on Red, White and Blue watch. This day called for something extra. The Captain Planeteers harnessed wind, water, fire, earth and love. The Justice League held their striking superhero poses. The A-Team cried out at any adversity: I Pity the Fool! Our ship was in good hands.Navigator Hannah plotted our waypoint objectives between Jervis Bay and Sydney Harbour with precision and style. Sail Master Ben envisioned the sail plan to get this sexy looking ship maximising the strong southerly winds to push us up the coast. The 3 youth chefs Jayne, Josh and Abbey begun the process of creating a culinary work of art to satisfy our 27 hard working youth crew members, and 10 staff holiday makers.The rest of the crew set their minds to the Hammock Challenge (Task 3). The goal was to create a hammock made entirely of ropes that would hold the entire 27 youth crew. Megan’s impressive knot tying skills helped to guide the team’s construction of criss-crossed netting. This successfully held the whole team on our first attempt. With our first success up our sleeve we lifted the anchor at 1700 to motor sail out of Jervis Bay and begin our 80nm journey. A shark’s fin was spotted in the water as we departed the Bay. A reminder of the dangers we face when venturing into a world governed by forces much more powerful than ourselves.Watch Leaders Prue and Dani called for the crew to set the Fore and Mainstay sails. With a: 2-6-heave! This provided drive and stability for our journey. Once we passed the rugged cliff line of Point Perpendicular strong 20-25 knot southerly winds started blowing past us offering a source of momentum. It was time to set our square sails to harness this wind. The Course, Topsail and Topgallant were set and our speed increased to 7 knots. Two meters of swell rocked the ship back and forth, waves lashing up and over the railings. Fun! Sally and the Justice League assumed the first night watch. Watch Officers Cobyjoe, Cameron and Josh will cover the navigation and safety of the ship while the command team rest. The crew remains ever vigilant in response to unconfirmed sightings of the fearsome mythical Cracken.Tomorrow the adventure continues with our ultimate goal to reach Sydney Harbour by 1100. If the elements are gracious we will make good ground tonight and our destination will be reached. If the elements are not gracious we will adapt as best we can.Our destiny is shaped by our thoughts and our actions. We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. – AnonYouth Captain Jude out.