Captain's Log

V16/25, Albany - Adelaide

13 September 2025

Day 07 – V16/25, Albany – Adelaide

Overnight we layered up and endured the cold wind for our watches where we practiced our navigation skills and passed the time by stargazing. We were blessed this morning with a sleep in to manage our fatigue, before jumping into our morning brief and HAPPY hour!

Jack confused us all with his time changing schemes, and Salty warned us of some superstitions – Sorry, I mean completely accurate facts that will save our lives. Be aware if you find yourself around a Scottish fisherman…

The best chef to walk this earth served us up a hot lunch which raised our spirits. He keeps us warm, happy and fuelled for long days of sailing, WE LOVE YOU STEVE!

Captain Leups took us through some sail theory, teaching us everything from the physics of sailing to navigating a course with each point of sail. We are well on our way to becoming salty sea dogs, as we’ve now nailed setting, furling, and tacking. We are eagerly waiting for the right weather conditions to climb up the yards and unfurl the square sails.

Our favourite time of day rolled around, youthies buzzing with nerves, staff strategising, Ty welcoming bribes, and Blue watch definitely not cheating. Round four of rope races had us slipping and sliding across the deck, Red watch desperate to close the gap between us and the Blueys, and White watch just trying to hang on and stay relevant. The leader board at the moment has Blue watch at 27, Red watch at 23 and White watch clinging on to life at 15. Don’t expect this to last though, Blueys watch your backs… the Reds are coming for you.

We are now racing along with the sunset behind us, the deep blue Southern Ocean ahead of us and Albany finally too far to return. Overall spirits are high and getting higher and while continuous sailing takes a wear, the views make up for it. Excitement around command day only grows and already there is profound discussion around who should take over. Some are still purging their land demons however our sea legs are growing and we’re finally learning how to not fall out of our racks. Even as we feel the full effects of our evening watches our regular naps keep us running.

Ebony and Romly from Red watch signing off, until next time have a good night.

Latitude/Longitude:

34 47.444S / 125 34.139E

Conditions:

Weather: Sunny Wind: 20kn N Temp: 17C

AUTHOR: Peta Binns

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Day 07 – V16/25, Albany – Adelaide

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