Captain's Log

V18/16 Exmouth (WA) to Fremantle (WA)

24 September 2018

Day 2 – Setting and Furling – and the Green Goblin!

Ahoy Shipnates,

We are at sea! After waking to a beautiful Gladstone morning at 0630 this morning, we conducted a quick game of ‘my name is and I love…’ to get to know each other a little better. It was then time for a hearty breakfast provided by Chef Marcus and showers in preparation for the big day ahead. At 0800 we conducted the traditional Colours Ceremony (raising of flags) accompanied by some enthusiastic singing of the National Anthem. It was then into ‘morning brief’ where Sailmaster Guv gave a rough outline of the day’s program, Engineer Horto explained his role onboard, and I congratulated them on the previous night’s efforts, giving an inspirational quote to motivate them for the challenges the day would bring! At 0830 we cast of lines and commenced the 3 hour transit out of Gladstone Harbour. During the transit the Youth Crew were introduced to the delights of ‘happy hour’ (cleaning stations), after which a detailed brief on the Ship’s safety equipment was provided by our resident safety expert, Brendon. With a bit of time before lunch, the watch leaders commenced the days major activity, introducing our intrepid sailors to the art of ‘setting and furling’ sails. After a delicious lunch we conducted the first round of the competitive/non competitive activity known as ‘rope races’, testing the Youth Crew’s knowledge of the safety equipment as briefed earlier. Once we cleared the harbour the wind and sea state had picked up, and the dreaded ‘green goblin’ reared it’s ugly head. To their credit, the Youth Crew soldiered on through Sailmaster Guv’s mainsail and square sail brief. We then set a full press of fore and aft sails and moved straight into a series of four tacks, testing the crew’s ability to tack (change direction) the Ship expeditiously…important noting we are inside the Great Barrier Reef. As we finished the wind increased to 20-25 knots making things a little bit bouncy. While it was fantastic for sailing, hitting 9 knots with a bit of tide assistance, there weren’t too many takers for dinner (bloody goblin!). We have settled into watches overnight and are aiming to anchor off the northern side of Great Keppel Island mid morning tomorrow. We’ll send the Youth Crew ashore to ‘hug a tree’, a sure fire remedy for sea sickness, and some beach games and swimming. Until tomorrow…fair winds…Captain Kenny

Latitude/Longitude:

23 15 s / 151 32 e

Conditions:

Wind: Easterly at 20 knots Wx: Fine and Clear Swell: ESE at 1.5 m Course: 355 true Speed: 4 knots

AUTHOR: Commanding Officer STS Young Endeavour

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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 2 – Setting and Furling – and the Green Goblin!

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