Day 1 – Gladstone
Ahoy there fellow sailors, land lubbers and followers, it was a great pleasure to meet the lovely youth crew of Voyage 11 today in Gladstone, comprising 27 Aussie youth, from all states bar the NT. They embarked at 1500 with friends and family in tow, who came to inspect the ship and the staff crew, and to farewell their loved ones for the next 10 days. I told them to rest assured, we would take very good care of their young sailors, as we have a skilled and experienced staff crew for this voyage… Namely: Sail Mistress– Ivanka. Navigator – Harry. BOATSO – Ian. Red Watch Leader – KarlyWhite Watch Leader – Dougie. Blue Watch Leader – Morgan. Chef – Marcus. Engineer – Reggie. On completion of the welcome and crew introductions, we farewelled family and friends and departed Gladstone marina. Some 45 minutes later we were safely at anchor in Gladstone harbour. Enroute, Watch Leaders kicked off the program with ice breakers and ships’ tours. A ripper dinner was served, then the Youth Crew were mustered at midships, where I spoke to them about what to expect over the next 10 days and ways to ensure maximum involvement in the program. Simply, to ‘get amongst it’, was the key. Ivanka spoke to them about youth crew responsibilities and a few ‘guidelines’ to ensure communal harmony and unconditional positive regard for all. Ivanka then introduced our Youthies to their individual climbing harnesses with a safety brief incl. buddy check processes and climbing demonstration. It was then time to ‘lay aloft’, with White and Red watches climbing the foremast up to the topgallant. It was a fantastic effort from everyone during this activity, as each gave their all and pushed themselves to give their fears something to think about. With a keen eye on our fatigue management, we decided to let Blue watch climb tomorrow, ensuring an earlier than otherwise bed time. Instead of climbing, Blue watch completed some administration and deck safety training. On completing those activities, we all got stuck into a wonderful pot of Kai (hot chocolate -thanks Marcus) and then turned in for the night… it’s going to be a very busy day tomorrow. It is our intention to remain at anchor overnight, departing after lunch. The adventure has begun and a sense of palpable, excitement is in the air… I wonder where we will be tomorrow night? Good night and stay safe.
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Wind: Light and variable. Sea: Glassy. Weather: Fine. Temp: 18
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Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike