Day 2 – The 75th Sydney to Hobart Continues…Sun, Sharks, Sunfish and no wind!

Ahoy shipmates, welcome to Day 2. The more observant amongst you may have noticed a slight error in last night’s log…it is the 75th Sydney to Hobart, not the 175th…finger problems. All is well and as promised tonight’s log is brought to you by our returnees…so it’s over to Mel and Stu. Until tomorrow, fair winds…Captain Kenny———-
Captain’s Log Days 1 and 2: Sydney to Hobart
It was just like riding a bike. But instead of peddles and handlebars we had sails and lines to learn again. Sydney Harbour resembled a beehive as our training wheels were clamped back on and we set sail away from the swarm of racing yachts and spectator boats in the 75th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. We were blessed with fantastic weather and even the smoke had dissipated for the start of this iconic race. As the swarm of boats emerged from the heads, pursued hungrily by an equally frenzied swarm of helicopters we set a course further out to sea and headed for the East Australian Current (EAC) hoping to hitch a ride to Hobart. It didn’t take long for the super maxis to disappear over the horizon (we’ll catch you later guys don’t wait up). Sailing conditions were perfect, and we quickly set our squares and staysails. We put the foot down and had a brilliant time reacquainting ourselves with a ship that feels like a second home to many of the returning crew. In between setting and furling tasks, and like clockwork when the swell increased, so too did the seasickness monster appear. Let’s just say the fish ate as well as we did … well they ate what we did…
We took a breath to take in the spectacular race unfolding at our starboard. There was something magical about the sight of dozens of spinnakers billowing out in a cascade as one by one the yachts turned right and headed for Hobart. We settled into our watch routines, took the time to get to know each other, and strapped in for the journey. We made new friends too, including dolphins, whales, sharks (!!!) and that old wombat of the sea: the sunfish.
An overnight watch shift on Young Endeavour at sea is one of the most breathtaking experiences you could wish to have. With no light pollution, no smoke, and no other boats separating us from 360 degrees of midnight blue horizon, the stars and constellations sparkled. A sunrise at sea is no less exhilarating. White Watch climbed the foremast to lower top and huddled together to watch the sun peep over the horizon through the clouds, over a glossy and calm sea. Still no land in sight, and with every racing yacht running away from us, we pressed on to keep up with the pack (from a polite distance).
But this ship doesn’t just take care of itself. In our happiest hour of the day, we downed tools, picked up a mop, and went to work keeping Young Endeavour ship shape. A clean ship is a happy ship!
After all the hard work was done, some of us fed the fishes (again) and then it was time to relax. A chilled out morning was had by all. The winds died down, the sea calmed, and we carried on with a peaceful morning of relaxation. Until… â€Rope Racesâ€.
It was just like we were here yesterday. We jumped straight back into the fun and competitiveness of rope races. It came down to the wire but in the end it was the never-readies Red Watch who claimed victory by a nose. Well done Reddies!!!
After a bit more chillaxing we then were treated to a salt water rain shower thanks to the fire main system onboard and some creative staff. This led to slippery slides and in turn human bowling. Our attention then sharply turned to each other as we commenced the age old game of Ship’s Assassin. With our victims known only to ourselves, over the next few days Young Endeavour will more likely resemble the Orient Express in an Agatha Christie thriller. Murder, betrayal, sneaking. Only one will survive.
As we write, we are 56 miles East of Merimbula and dinner is being served. Steak and veg are calling us. But we might linger a moment longer in the sun, as we glide along a glassy sea. With Bass Straight literally on the horizon, any moment of calm is worth cherishing.
For those of us returning to Young Endeavour, we are reminded of the incredible professionalism and spirit of our Royal Australian Navy staff crew. They have worked tirelessly to make our return to this special ship as fun, exciting, and warm as possible. They may be new faces to most of us, but every crew member shares the same qualities and leadership of others who guided this ship for 30 years before. Thanks staffies, you are an example to us and we are so grateful. Special thanks to Marcus for feeding us and CO Andrew ‘Kenny’ Callander for leading us.
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Wind: NE at 15 knots Weather: Fine Sea: Mild Course: 210 Speed: 7 knots Location: 60nm east of Eden
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Ahoy followers of our Young Endeavour journey! Command Day. We made it.
The beautiful weather at our anchor point at Jervis Bay made for a spectacular day under the command of our fellow Youth Crew! A morning stretch and some wise words from the Ship Crew gave Captain Waz and the team a step in the right direction.
With the new watches all set and ready to go, Captain’s Setting and Furling gave all our youthies the chance to prove their abilities on the high seas. Strong performances from all three watches; Sharkies, Chompers and Narwhals!!
Morning brief gave the Sailmaster a chance to give us the daily orders and help get everyone on the same page. With the staff crew getting ready for a holiday and giving us the ship, floral shirts and party music filled the deck and, with some final preparations, the ship was ours.
The Captain was given a small but very significant envelope that contained the essential, non-essential and completely optional tasks to be done over the course of the next 24 hours. 2 tacks were to be made at a minimum before leaving the bay and safety checks were the essential tasks to start our journey. However.
More amusing, optional tasks allowed some of our youthies to become part of the “Beach Assault Team” while others were put to the task of making a slideshow of the voyage, tying all the knots on the list, etc. These were some activities that bided the time for our incredible navigator - Ruscoe to set out a plan and work together with the Sailmaster - Hugh to create a sail plan.
Tacking stations were the focus for our late afternoon, preparing to weigh anchor and leave such a beautiful bay, for our last stretch of this incredible voyage.
Happy Birthday to the Capitan, Warwick, who turned 24 today! The wonderful MasterChef’s created a “cherry ripe” cake out of rice crispies, coconut, chocolate, and love. With a beautiful ceremony to end our day.
Sailing into the night leaves us the ability to see the lights from our destination. Sydney, here we come!
Wish us luck! From Nat and Tom!!

ARRRGH, ahoy there from the spectacular Jervis Bay! We’ve all been taken A-back by the crystal clear blue waters and snow white sands.
After a well deserved sleep in these sheltered waters which was a refreshing change to clinging to our bunk racks for dear life for the past few days, the ship rose to another banger of a morale tune “sung” by Blue Watch. Brekkie was fun after the early morning activity to get us all up and moving. We held another round of competitive not-competitive rope races which culminated in smashed eggs on deck and the mummification of said egg smashers.
Roast lamb for lunch was prepped by the staffies in the absence of our culinary wizard Steve. Once cleaned up, we took the RHIB’s across to Captains Beach bordering HMAS Creswell which was a mind-blowingly beautiful little spot. Pretty much everyone had a dip in the drink and a roll in the sand and played some creative beach games run by our Suitability legends, Speedy Sam and Eggs.
A few hours at the beach made everyone ready to head back home and attack a teak deck barbeque, devouring cheese platters, steaks, sangas, and salads. With our full stomachs, us youthies initiated the highly anticipated elections for our command day roles. Which will commence sometime around midday tomorrow. We held a vote for each available role that all willing youthies put themselves forward for.
The following roles were voted as follows: Captain – Warwick, Sailmaster – Hugh, Navigator – Ruscoe, Officer of the Watch – Dan, Watch Leader – Nick, Ben, Bridget, Master chef – Emily, Mackenzie, Alyshia
We were greeted after our elections by a low flying anti-submarine MH60-Romeo Helicopter which did a cool fly around our ship. *Thanks Squizz!!* And then watched an amazing film about the rounding of Cape Horn back in 1929 on a 7 story tall sail ship.
Signing off from our anchor watch, Ben and Giles.
“I believe that positive energy and optimism help us to take up any challenge in life and to succeed in even the most difficult tasks. I also believe that positive energy is contagious: We can transmit it to others”
