COMMAND DAY CONCLUDES

Ahoy there,Last nights log entry left us on a steady smooth sailing course set straight for Hobart. Travel forward in time by 15 minutes and surprise, surprise, the wind decided on a complete 180 degree turn, turning the boat around and pushing us straight back the way we came. With sails taken aback and the ship teetering on stalling, a seemingly insurmountable task faced the youth crew to get the Young Endeavour back on track. However, the word impossible doesn’t exist here onboard, and an astonishing tremendous effort was produced by all members of the youth crew, with the youth command crew stepping-up completely leaders and a surprisingly positive attitude from the rest of the crew after a 0200 call for all hands to tacking stations. The staff have even commented on the extreme difficult nature of the weather conditions we faced, and I believe that every single person onboard deserves huge commendations for their efforts.In the early morning hours, with the winds dieing down to nothing, the inevitable decision was made to start engines as there was no other possible way to get to our final checkpoint on time, let alone move anywhere in general. The extra push aloud us to sail closer to the light winds which were blocking our passage through the heads into the mighty Derwent River. Alas, we were on track for Hobart once more.To the relief and satisfaction of all onboard, we made the final waypoint at approximately 0830 and we were safely anchored off Hobart about half an hour later. Following an extremely humorous youth-crew run morning brief and a quick happy hour, we continued with our remaining tasks of which one relied on having all 27 youth-crew members aloft on the yardarms for a group photo. The remaining tasks dropped like flies within the next few hours, and we finished off strongly with a great hamburger-bar lunch organised by our fabulous youth galley crew. Then at exactly 1300, the ships command was relinquished back to the staff crew, and to our relief, they allowed everyone the afternoon to catch-up on some well deserved rest.On a finishing note, I myself personally would like to thank all of my fellow youth-crew on electing me as their Captain and the huge honour it has been serving them. It has been an extremely challenging 24 hours, and it has been amazing watching everybody give their absolute all, plus some more and the rest. With what everybody has displayed, I have no doubt that everyone onboard will be high achievers in all aspects of life, and it has been an absolute pleasure sailing with you all.Yours Aye,Youth Crew Captain KiaranAhoy there everyone,After officially accepting the ship safely back from the Youth Crew at 1300, a respite period was granted for the next few hours before a Command Day debrief was conducted. Then with a ravenous appetite, a BBQ dinner was consumed, then to complete the evening a special movie was screened on the upper decks, depicting a young man who sailed around Cape Horn in 1929 on one of the last tall ship cargo vessels. Many similarities and comparisons could be drawn 80 years later with our own band of young adventurers.An exhausted Youth Crew have now retired for the evening after an extremely challenging 24 hours in command of the ship during which time they displayed exceptional teamwork, endurance and perseverance in order to successfully achieve their mission. Bravo ZuluThe ship will remain at anchor overnight.Yours AyeCaptain Damien