Day 10 – Wild Weather and a Half Day Sail (sort of)!

Ahoy Shipmates, welcome to the final Captain’s Log of Voyage 18/18…and what a day it has been. After a very early (0430) departure from Nelson Bay, we arrived in Newcastle Harbour as planned at 0900, however after challenging berthing the decision was made to stay alongside Queens Wharf indefinitely due to the weather conditions (18-20 knots, gusting 25 and 0.5 -1.0 metre seas…in the harbour!). Unfortunately this meant cancelling the half day sail. Instead we brought our guests on board for tours of the ship and to talk with the Youth Crew about their experiences. We had a variety of visitors, with the bulk of them from Kotara High School Special Needs Unit. I am pleased to say that all of the Youth Crew were very gracious hosts…keen to share their stories. Once our guests departed the watch leaders took their respective groups ashore for end of voyage talks…and coffee! On their return it was time for the final round of rope races, with White Watch being victorious overall. Their prize was to lay aloft to Top Gallant for harbour furls, Red Watch had the Topsail, with Blue Watch on the course. The Youth Crew did an outstanding job noting the still blustery conditions. Due to the wharf being quite exposed to elements, I made the decision to seek a more sheltered berth further upstream, and as I write we are alongside Thales Shipyard. Unfortunately due to condtions forecast to remain much the same for the next few days, the ship will be remaining at Thales until Friday. Tonight we are conducting end of voyage activities and the Youth Crew are making the most of the their last night together onboard. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the last night pizzas, slide show and poem. In the morning we will be ferrying the Youth Crew to Queens Wharf for the final farewells at 1000. It has been a challenging voyage, largely due to the weather, however this group of Young Australians have wholeheartedly embraced the Young Endeavour experience, making firm friends and lasting memories. You should be justifiably proud of them all, as are we. And so another successful 11 day voyage comes to a close, and our 22 Youth Crew are now and forever part of the Young Endeavour family…13000 strong and still growing. So from me until next time at sea (Friday) I bid you all fair winds and following seas! Captain Kenny….OUT!