Day 4 – Jervis Bay

Ahoy there everyone,Welcome to day four, the morning commenced with an epic 0700 wakey wakey song and commentary composed by Red Watch, arousing all from their slumber for breakfast and a glorious morning as the ship passed the majestic sandstone precipice of Point Perpendicular and entered Jervis Bay. Overnight the wind and swell had abated significantly while the ship made good ground sou’ east assisted by the East Australian Current during the middle watch. All Youth Crew were energised for a busy day and it was pleasing to note that the majority had found their sea legs and were keeping the meals on the inside of the guardrails. The ship anchored adjacent Captains Beach in the bordering the Booderee National Park and the Royal Australian Naval College. The Youth Crew were quickly transferred ashore in the ships sea boat to conduct a forenoon sporting challenge on the beach which culminated with a swim to cool down before returning to the ship for lunch. After lunch the ship weighed anchor and transited from the southern end of Jervis Bay to the northern end for a sheltered night anchorage opposite Long Beach part of the Jervis Bay Range Facility. En-route Engineer Mick conducted the next round of rope races as the Youth Crew became more proficient at locating the nominated items. Once at anchor Watch Officer Dion presented an intriguing maritime Rules of the Road lecture, an important component of safely navigating the ship to avoid colliding with other vessels or running aground by correctly identifying various lights, shapes and navigation markers. To enjoy the remainder of the afternoon the pool was opened enabling those keen adventurers an opportunity to swing from the course yard arm rope or plunge from the bowsprit into the warm, clear waters of the bay. The overcast conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm as the Youth Crew executed some commendable acrobatic pirouettes, somersaults and water entries into the invigorating water. A hearty BBQ dinner cooked by the Captain was consumed on the upper deck whilst the sun set under an overcast sky. This was followed by a three way talk activity requiring each Youth Crew member to gather a significant amount of personal information about two of their appointed shipmates during the afternoon; and then present this to the remainder of the crew in the third person developing confidence, interpersonal skills and public speaking. After this activity the Youth Crew settled into anchor watches for the night. The intention is to remain at anchor overnight before weighing anchor tomorrow morning and recommencing our passage south. Until tomorrow evening, take care. Yours Aye Captain Damien