Day 4 – Patonga, a Hike, a Swim…and Jerusalem Bay!

Ahoy shipmates…Day 4…and some dry land action at last! After a great night under sail we arrived off Broken Bay around 0730, heading straight to anchor off Patonga Beach. I would elaborate further on today’s events, but the boys have got it covered. As i write we have just enjoyed our first teak deck bbq for the voyage in a stunning location, topped off by a magic afternoon. That’s it from me…over to Nathaniel and George. Until tomorrow, fair winds, Captain Kenny.———-
As morning came around, the lights of Sydney could be seen on the distant horizon, as we sailed on course heading northwest towards Patonga for our day of activities and adventures. As the morning sun rose we pulled in to Patonga where we dropped anchor, and, as everyone woke from their sleep, they were delighted by the beautiful scene of the small town of Patonga. As the crew set a foot on deck we then were marshalled to the port side of the bridge to be greeted by the wonderful XO/Sail master Harry who has been under quarantine for some time now as he was unwell, but back in business and thriving he delivered the schedule for today and briefed us with some activities. Also we were briefed by Captain Kenny and Jerome with the navigator’s report and brief. Lastly for the morning brief was that the crew was paid a visit by no other then Salty. Afterwards, we moved into happy hour, what a happy time that was , with having to clean this lovely ship from bow to stern, then we were split into groups of around three people from each watch group to get to know them more. After spending half an hour of talking and getting to know each other, we then boarded the light speed boat for a short but refreshing trip ashore to Patonga. The time spent ashore at Patonga began with a walk up to the lookout to look out across the bay. As we trekked back through the shrub and bush land of the stunning head lands of Patonga we then continued back to Patonga for a drink and ice-block at the café; which for some was buying milkshakes and coffees as we basked in the bright yellow sun before being treated to a swim. At roughly 1430 we returned to the ship to relax as we wait for the entire crew to return, then at around 1530 we weighed anchor to set course for Jerusalem Bay along the Hawkesbury River. As the afternoon crept in we pulled out the BBQ and cards to relax in the evening sun. Songs were sung, games got heated, laughs were enjoyed, but at the crux of all of this we were enjoying each other’s company and having a great time aboard this Young Endeavour. Later we continued talking with our 3 way chat groups which is an activity that we have been doing to get to know each other better. It has been a great day with nice warm weather and glistening waters; the sun was at some points a tad too hot but that doesn’t spoil the evening. Soon we will be delighted to some of Marcus’ and Harry’s lovely cooking as we present what we have learnt from each other today. After dinner and our talks we will do any further activities or required jobs as instructed before docking our sleepy heads to our soft and warm docks with calm weather and little swell to disturb our slumber. This is all for now from two boys on board this Young Endeavour as we endure and ponder on what’s to come. – Nathaniel and George –
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Wind: Light and variable Weather: Fine Sea: Calm Location: At anchor Jerusalem Bay
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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”


After a rather nonchalant guts watch with the Bluies, Reddies came in guns a blazing, setting our beautiful square sails preparing us for a speedy and eventful day at sea. Scaling (laying aloft) the Foremast, whilst the ship swayed kept the Reddies on their toes, holding on for dear life as they let out the gaskets for the Topgallant and Topsail Yards. A challenging activity to start off our day rewarded with a beautiful sunrise over Starboard.
During the day we participated in a Meteorology Brief led by our resident Nav guru TOMO, learning everything there is about fluffy, rainy and stormy clouds. This was followed by Lunch and a needed Siesta.
Whilst some slumbered, Bluies kept watch. They had brave volunteers to climb both main mast and to the topgallant yard to sea furl the sails.
In the afternoon, our Watches came together to have Mid Voyage Chats, where we had the opportunity to reflect on our voyage goals, experiences and discuss our hopes for Command Day. There were some very heartfelt talks, from overcoming fears, to gaining confidence in working as a team, and we set our eyes upon what we want to achieve in the rest of the voyage.
The first dog (Reddies) (from 1545 to 1745) was full of excitement, with over 50kn winds and up to 50 degrees on the OOOH AAAH meter (heel). Watching the waves break higher than the rails was an exhilarating experience and kept us holding on tight. Sites of sharks and a Cargo ship kept our lookouts entertained, while Callum lead an engaging activity on Charts. At the end of the first dog watch, Nick and Phil braved these treacherous conditions to lay aloft on the mainmast to wrangle the mainsail!
Rockin and rolling, Youthies (the newest salty sea dogs) Hugh, Bridget, and Nick!!