Day 4 – V21/25, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race!

Captains Update: Before we share in Lil and Ollies words of wisdom, I want to confirm to our friends, families and loved ones that we WILL be arriving at the UTAS Wharf in Hobart at 1000 on the 31st as planned. Navigator Jack has used his wizardry to find us a fast south bound current and we have made an average of nearly 10kn over the last 24 hours. This will see us round Tasman Island at lunchtime tomorrow before the low pressure system rolls through (*hopefully!). See you all there – this has been one hell of a ride! Captain Leups Out+

Ahoy there, friends, families and avid YE followers!

The past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions, from feeling the joy of being back on-board Young Endeavour and the heinous lows of seasickness. On Day 1 we had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the starting line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race from up on the yards. Since then, we have spent the following 3 days beating our way down the coast of NSW against southerly winds. All the while fighting through the trials of seasickness, taking many of us days to recover back to our normal selves, ready to take on Bass Strait. Now we have just made it through the strait, bringing us alongside Flinders Island.

Today we started with morning brief from our amazing XO Sarah at 0930, giving some of us the chance to shower for what mayyyy have been the first time since Sydney (shhh, no names). Going straight into the happiest of all hours, HAPPY HOUR (YAYYYY). Once the ship was cleaned our next task was to set the rarely used Main Gaff Topsail. We pulled together our teamwork skills learnt on previous voyages and worked together to set the sail with minimal help from the Staffies.

After lunch we went into a detailed lesson and passionately delivered story from our one and only Nav, Jack. Teaching us the importance of swell, wind, and current in getting all the race yachts from Sydney to Hobart. Which was followed by stories of previous races, particularly the rare incident of the 1998 Sydney to Hobart.

We then went into a series of challenges (often seen on commands days) in which we baked scones for the crew (thank you Jordan, Andrew, and Oliver) as well as creating detailed wanted posters for the different Watch Leaders. Our wonderful Sarah put together a slide show of our trip so far across the voyage while many of the other returnees performed a bear ex. Just before we all climbed aloft on the Port-side for a stunning photo of the Returnees.

Across this voyage we have all relished in the opportunity to connect with other YE Youthies from other voyages across the years – learning new things about each other and the ship.

Day 4 has been full of sunshine, activities, and the joy of life onboard this ship. We’re looking forward to our next two days as we round the south of Tasman Island and head toward the Derwent River.

Yours truly,

Oliver and Lilith (Reddies represent!)