Day 5 – Robe

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight the ship continued through the Southern Ocean along the South Australian coast running under three square sails, jib, main staysail and a storm trysail, 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 ���Bear Exercise’ by completing an unfamiliar team orientated 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. They also did a fantastic job manoeuvring the ship to avoid the multitude of lobster pot floats which were located along our route. It was also pleasing to note that all Youth Crew have been ���awarded’ their new sea legs and are physically adjusted to the motion of the ship, participating with vigour at each challenge or activity.With ���happy hour’ complete and the ship at Sail Master Taffy’s high standard of cleanliness, watches were mustered midships on the upper deck where I presented a lesson on sail theory to the Youth Crew in order to consolidate the practical aspects of the deck and sail work that they have been conducting over the previous five days. All sails were then handed in and the ship anchored in the lee of the coastal resort village of Robe. After lunch all watches proceeded ashore via the sea boat for a two hour leg stretch ashore before returning to the ship for round three of rope races. With a commendable performance by each watch this activity is closely contested on a daily basis with a mystery final award.Sail Master Taffy opened the Young Endeavour pool enabling all those adventurers to swing from the course yard arm rope or plunge from the bowsprit into the invigorating, turquoise waters. The ambient air temperature did not dampen the enthusiasm as the Youth Crew executed some noteworthy acrobatic pirouettes, somersaults and water entries. Then it was straight to climbing aloft to cast loose all the gaskets on the foremast before Chef Snowy presented a delicious Sunday roast and chocolate pudding. With whetted appetites and full stomachs all hands were back on deck to conduct a sail away from anchor as the ship bade farewell to Robe and continued our journey westwards on a close reach port tack once again dodging lobster pot floats as we sailed past Cape Jaffa.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 sea overnight making ground towards the Gulf of Saint Vincent. Until tomorrow evening, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien