Captain's Log

V15/18 Cairns to Airlie Beach

28 August 2018

Day 1 – Fitzroy Island

Ahoy Shipmates,

Welcome all to Young Endeavour’s Voyage 15/18, and what an adventure it promises to be. Today at 1500 we embarked 26 young Australians alongside Cairns Naval Base. The Ship has been conducting a 2 week maintenance in period in Cairns (tough I know considering the weather down south…I say clever!). Due to a number of shipping movements at the Navy Base we had to be off the wharf no later than 1530 and, despite some having travelled large distances,…everyone was early! This enable us to leave the wharf smack bang on time…an auspicious start to the trip! Once clear we made our way out to our overnight anchorage at Fitzroy Island. During the 2 1/2 hour transit, the Youth Crew spent some time getting to know each other, and the ship that would be their home for the next 11 days. Despite relatively calm conditions some of our new shipmates were a little bit green on the way…their sea legs will come. After a delicious meal from Chef Zac we arrived at our anchorage just on twilight. The Sail Master and Captain’s talks followed, which is where we both talk to the Youth Crew about why they are here, the challenges and amazing opportunities ahead of them, and some of the ground rules in relation to life at sea on a tall ship. As I type Sail Master Dion is conducting the safety aloft and harness briefs in preparation for first night climbs…it is a beautiful moonlit night…perfect for a night climb!

The weather forecast for the next few days looks promising…plenty of sun and light winds from the south east (perfect noting we will be heading into the wind for the first few days). Our intent is to make our way down to Hinchinbrook Island, then on to the Whitsundays. This will be the ships 3rd visit to the area since late July…how lucky are we!

But enough from me…let me introduce you to our wonderful staff crew for this Voyage, then bid you adieu.

Captain Kenny
Sail Master Dion
Navigator Ivanka
Watch Officer Chris (Jordo)
White Watch Leader Brendon
Red Watch Leader Blake (Walshy)
Blue Watch Leader Brodie
Chef Zac
Engineer Mark (Horto)
Navigator in Training Karly

Until tomorrow, fair winds and following seas,

Captain Kenny

Latitude/Longitude:

1655s / 14559e

Conditions:

Wind : SE at 6 knots Weather: Fine Swell: Nil

AUTHOR: Commanding Officer STS Young Endeavour

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Ahoy there Shipmates, The youth crew of V07/23 awoke to the soothing sounds of George Harrison’s “I’ve Got My Mind Set on You” (Sail Master Evan’s pick) at a crisp 0630 for a few brisk laps around the deck. After a scrumptious English breakfast provided by the magnificent chef, Hayden, the youth crew assembled on the deck for the Young Endeavour (YE) Working Aloft Harness Brief, followed by the YE Climbing Brief. Both were delivered by White Watch Leader Theresa. We then laid aloft to conduct First Climbs in our relatively sheltered anchorage. Climbs were conducted efficiently, and I was pleased to see that most Youth Crew successfully climbed to the Top Gallant Yard on their first attempt. This was completed by 1100 and the crew then cleaned-up and proceeded to lunch. The morning brief, which had become the afternoon brief, followed lunch and included a rundown of Evan’s Plan for the Day, Navigator Sebastian’s navigational Plan, to get us out of Port Phillip Bay, and his meteorological forecast for the day. Next was the Youth Crew’s first experience with Young Endeavour’s version of ‘Happy Hour’, where the youth crew give the internal living and working areas of the Ship a good clean. The Young Endeavour Ship’s brass bell also received a loving polish. STS Youth Endeavour weighed anchor at 1330 and commenced the transit across Port Phillip Bay and through The Rip. During this transit the watches commenced Setting and Furling drills on some of the Staysails and continued Deck Safety training, supervised by their Watch Leaders. The crew also took the opportunity to conduct a couple of un-alerted exercises to assess that response times to alarms for Emergency Stations and Leaving Ship Stations were acceptable. We exited The Rip at 1530, which coincided with slack water to facilitate an easier transit out of the bay for us. The Youth Crew then commenced watch keeping on the bridge which will be maintained through the night. Their duties will include steering the Ship, acting as Lookouts and conducting Engineering Rounds of the Ship, all of which will result in keeping the Ship safe through the night. The plan is to continue on passage overnight and anchor at Flinders Island tomorrow evening. Yours Aye, Captain Mike

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Day 1 – Geelong to Portarlington

Ahoy there Shipmates, Welcome to the Captain’s Log for Day 1 of Voyage 7/23, Geelong to Sydney. The Youth Crew joined the Ship berthed on the Wave Attenuator Pontoon, adjacent the Royal Yacht Club of Geelong, Victoria. It was a cold, grey and damp Geelong day, but there was no dampening the Youth Crew's spirit of excitement. They embarked the ship at 1500 and were welcomed by myself and the Staff Crew for the voyage, who included: Sail Master Evan, Navigator Seb, Watch Officer Thomo, Engineers Sumo and Mick, Chef Haydo, White Watch Leader Theresa assisted by Trev, Red Watch Leader Hutch and Blue Watch Leader Christine assisted by Sara. We departed Geelong at 1620 and conducted the passage to our overnight anchorage at Port Arlington in drizzly conditions. Along the way the Youth Crew undertook ‘Ice Breakers’ and Ship Tours, followed by dinner. We anchored at 1830 and at 1930 commenced Youth Crew briefings from myself, the Sailmaster, the Engineer and the Chef. These briefings are important day one activities to set the youth crew up for an enjoyable voyage. The intention is to remain at anchor overnight, conduct first climbs after breakfast and weigh anchor after lunch to conduct the passage to ‘The Rip’. We will be aiming to transit out into Bass Strait on the ebb tide at 1545 and commence our passage to the next planned anchorage at Flinders Island. Good night and stay safe. Captain Mike Gough

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Day 9 – Farewell shipmates

Dear readers,

STS Young Endeavour is, by the definition and origin of her name, about Aussie youths trying hard to achieve something difficult. This voyage certainly provided that... and then some. A challenging experience from all angles and areas. Yet the Youth Crew prevailed and found success. They should therefore be justifiably proud of themselves for persevering, seeing the silver lining and never wavering in their mission to have a great adventure. I am very proud of all of them and I'm sure you are too!

9 Days ago 23 Youth Crew from all over Australia, came together to sail this vessel, have fun and challenge themselves. They have not only done that, but have faced and overcome fears, and learnt a lot about themselves and each other.

They leave with new skills, improved persistence, resilience and adaptability, as well as generally knowing they are more capable than what they probably thought. And of course, having made great new friends - most probably, friends for life. It never gets old for us staff members, as we truly love our work.

Fair winds and following seas.

Captain Adam Charlie Farley+

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Day 1 – Fitzroy Island

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