Day 5 – Refuge Cove

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight the ship continued northwest through the Bass Strait under fore and aft sails on a close reach port tack. With the wind continuing to back and veer during the night requiring fine adjustments to the sail plan, this kept the deck watches busy along with applying practical navigation techniques and conducting engineering rounds. In addition each watch conducted a team exercise by completing an unfamiliar task without instruction in a limited time, needless to say each of the watches acquitted themselves well and explored various methods of communication, leadership and teamwork. Wakey wakey at 0700 saw Blue Watch put in a lot of effort to perform a stirring tune to arouse all onboard for breakfast and then morning brief. With happy hour complete and the ship at Sail Master Taffy’s high standard of cleanliness, watches were called to tacking stations where rotational tacks (altering course using the wind) were next on the agenda. This required each of the Youth Crew watches to rotate through each of the tacking stations roles and positions. This activity enabled each member to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the sails and yards are handled during this important manoeuvring evolution.All sails were then handed in during a simulated man overboard exercise and the ship proceeded to anchor in the picturesque Refuge Cove, part of the Wilsons Promontory National Park. With lunch consumed the Youth Crew were ferried ashore in the ships boat to explore the fringes of the bay by walking or swimming. During the period ashore the Youth Crew conducted mid voyage talks where each watch discussed individual and collective progression against their initial goals, then reset priorities and revised goals for the remainder of the voyageWith all hands back onboard round two of rope races was conducted. With a commendable performance by each watch this activity is closely contested on a daily basis with a mystery final award. Dinner was a magnificent affair followed closely by a three way talk activity; this enabled each Youth Crew member to gather a significant amount of in depth information about two of their appointed shipmates during the afternoon; this information is then presented to the remainder of the crew in the third person developing confidence, interpersonal skills and public speaking.Our last five days at sea have seen a significant development in the overall journey of our young adventurers. As a team they have progressed enormously both individually and collectively as the voyage continues to gain momentum. Many have achieved goals they would never have thought possible at the commencement of the voyage showing true perseverance, determination and commitment. The intention is to remain at anchor overnight before departing tomorrow morning and shaping a course west along the Victorian southeast coast. Until tomorrow evening, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien