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Day 09 – V18/25, Geelong – Sydney
And to the sound of cannons firing in the mist the Young Endeavour sailed into Sydney Harbour this morning for the first time in nearly 7 months! Can you believe us Youthies sailed ourselves all the way into Sydney Harbour!? It feels like a dream!
Day nine arrived with a round of happy birthdays for Youthie watch leader Eli at the midnight watch change where the Bilge Rats handed over to the Sea Cows.
Overnight winds dropped as low as 0.5 knots sending on watch Navigator Jarrah into overdrive figuring out how to get us to Sydney by morning. A few gruelling hours later Nav Jarrah and Capt. Danni set a course that would see the Young Endeavor enter Sydney early the next morning. The whole youth crew worked tirelessly and effectively to do what we could with the wind dealt us. A few uneventful hours followed as we burned some dinosaurs to get to Sydney on time.
Sailing into Sydney Harbour, we were contacted by the 7 News helicopter who congratulated us on our arrival and conclusion of the circumnavigation. They requested a firing round of canons and each Youthie was willing and able to fire their charge.
As we turned through the heads we saw a shroud of fog covering our view of the bay and city, which slowly cleared as the early morning light brightened and burnt it off to reveal the magnificent skyline of the City of Sydney, the Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Once at anchor we deep cleaned the ship and enjoyed some well deserved rest, before spending the afternoon reflecting on our journey and just how far we had come. Not only through Command Day but as a crew forged by the trials and tribulations of sailing through Bass Strait and living life at sea.
The final circumnavigation of Australia by this ship has been finished, but there are still plenty of adventure opportunities ahead. The crew are happy to be home, but some are already looking back out at the horizon wondering what the next adventure will bring.
We will leave you with a small poem from Robert E. Howard:
I have anchored my ship to a quiet port;
A land that is holy and blessed
But I look through my bars at the tempest’s sport
And I long for the seas unrest.
- Danni, Ben, Jacq
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Weather: Sunny Wind: 22kn SE Temp: 23 C
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Hi Everyone,
Welcome to Young Endeavour’s Second voyage for 2026. This voyage will see us sail from Hobart to Geelong via the West Coast of Tasmania, which will give us the chance to see some spectacular scenery and be tested by some very unpredictable weather conditions, which is all part of the adventure. I have always loved sailing the Tasmanian Coast and of course, the notorious Bass Strait because of the challenges they throw at us but it really is a special part of this wonderful country. We have put together another talented Staff Crew for this voyage who I know will take great care of our new Youth Crew ensuring that they all have an amazing experience.
The Young Endeavour Staff Crew for this voyage are as follows:
Captain – Gav
Sail Master – Dion
Navigator – Jack
Watch Officer - Karson
Red Watch Leader – Mick
White Watch Leader – Simon assisted by Benny
Blue Watch Leader – Mitch
Chef – Nathan
Engineer - Dan
YEYS Voyage Coordinator - Matt
The voyage commenced at 1500 today when the new Youth Crew joined Young Endeavour berthed alongside Hobarts Princess No 2 Berth (UTAS). Once we had everyone on board and gear had been stowed, we mustered our new Youth Crew and a large gathering of family and friends on deck for my welcome address followed by Staff Crew introductions. On completion we farewelled family and friends then got straight into a safety brief. Ice breaker’ activities and ship tours. Dinner followed, with tonight’s menu consisting of Roast Lamb, Chicken Kiev, Americana Pasta Bake and numerous vegetables and a wonderful selection of deserts. Once we had cleaned up from dinner, I completed my Captain’s Brief, which was followed by Dion’s Sail Master Chat. With these chats out of the way we spent the rest of the evening doing full value contacts and deck safety then turned-in for a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow morning we will depart our berth, head down the Derwent River and into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel where we will anchor for a few hours and complete first climbs of the foremast.
Until tomorrow, take care.
Yours aye, Captain Gav.
