Day 4 – IGBR

Ahoy there everyone,Welcome to day four, overnight the ship remained at anchor in Refuge Bay, Scawfell Island. At 0700 Sail Master Kristy-Lee awoke all crew not on watch with a call to the Early Morning Activity under a clear sunny sky. This was followed by an invigorating early morning plunge into the bay for all those keen adventurers accepting the challenge to swing from the course yard arm rope or dive from the bowsprit. The Youth Crew embraced the opportunity and executed some commendable acrobatic pirouettes, somersaults and water entries into the warm turquoise water. This culminated with egg and bacon rolls cooked on the upper deck BBQ. During the forenoon Navigator Tim presented a topical and basic lesson on the art of maritime navigation providing the theory of fixing the ships position on a chart. After lunch the ship weighed anchor and cleared Scawfell Island to the East before conducting ‘rotational tacks’. This enabled each crew member the opportunity to rotate through and experience various alternate positions operated by the other two watches. The ship was then rigged for silent running ship, when all machinery was isolated and only the sounds of the sea and the wind in the rigging was heard throughout the ship. This enabled the Youth Crew the rare opportunity to contemplate and reflect to a time when tall ships were only powered by the wind and without electrical power generation. On completion the next round of ‘rope races’ was held raising the non-competitive stakes to a new level. The remainder of the evening was utilised for deck work and climbing consolidation as the ship sailed directly into a glorious sunset continuing to make ground to the North threading through the Cumberland Island Group. Overnight each watch will conduct a challenging teamwork activity in preparation for assuming command of the ship. The Youth Crew have displayed remarkable teamwork and endurance today as the voyage continues to gain momentum with the majority of the crew having been awarded their sea legs during the anchorage period. Each are displaying commendable resilience and stamina whilst maintaining enthusiasm and a fantastic sense of humour. Until tomorrow evening, take care. Yours Aye Captain Damien