Day 10 – V16/25, Albany – Adelaide

Ahoy readers!

Command day is finally upon us, with the staff stepping back while we sail en route to Adelaide, (hopefully). Wakey wakey was at 06:30, with an amazing HOT breakfast soon after (WE LOVE YOU STEVE!) and we have full assurance that our new chefs will do just as well in the galley. We all slept soundly, with the boat stable after days of a constant 20 degree starboard heel; showering has been rough indeed! Starting the day anchored in Port Lincoln, we greatly enjoyed the tuna boats and farms and welcomed some sunshine after a cold and windy trek across the Great Australian Bight.

As of 13:00 today, we are in command of the entire ship for 24 hours! All of her 250 tonnes of might are now our responsibility. Absolutely everything from sailing and navigation to food preparation for all crew members are now in our hands. Such an important handover is daunting, though with the sun on our side, favourable wind, and our wonderful team, it should be an enjoyable trip following the coast.

As foreshadowed by Captain Leups at the beginning of our voyage, we have definitely become salty sea dogs: forged by the sea. As we write this, we are forming a plan to get back out into the open ocean and on our way home. With new navigators, watch leaders and sail-master in charge, we have all fingers and toes crossed that we will choose the right path! Our harnesses are coming back on and our preparation for night watches begin, both good signs of progress being made.

Before departing, we excitingly constructed a rope hammock across the entire midship. Upon completion we laid back (all 19 of us hanging above deck!) and soaked up the last of the sun before sunset.

As of now, sails are being set, the swell is growing, and we are approaching our final destination with every extra nautical mile under our belt.

Captain Mira, Polly and the whole crew. We can’t wait to see you all in Adelaide!

Signing off for today.