Day 6 – A Good Day of Sailing

Hi Everyone, Welcome to Day 6 of our voyage. By sunrise this morning we were located 10nm to the south of the Cape Banks sailing close hauled under fore and aft sail and enjoying a pleasant 10-12kt north easterly. At morning brief Salty again amazed us with his nautical stories from days of old then Nanna made another guest appearance ensuring that all onboard have been stowing their gear correctly which of course is never the case so we all have to pay our dues by singing one of Nanna’s entertaining songs. Our plan for today was to focus on developing the Youth Crews sailing skills and this has been achieved in perfect conditions. Throughout the day they have managed to set and furl most of the sails and this afternoon they completed a set of rotational tacks which was followed by a good set of demonstrational tacks. These activities give the Youth Crew the opportunity to experience each others tacking positions and then to come to the bridge and observe the orders and procedures which occur when we tack the ship (alter course, putting the bow of the ship through the wind). On completion of these activities all of the Youth Crew then sat down with our Watch Officer Jarrod who imparted his knowledge on Rules of the Road and kept them amused with his different props, which makes this rather boring subject a little more interesting and a lot more fun. This evening following another one of Chef Adrian’s brilliant dinners all sail was handed in and we proceeded into Port Hacking coming safely to anchor just of Jibbon Beach (near the township of Bundeena) at 2000. Once at anchor the Youth Crew proceeded aloft and put sea furls on the topsail then settled into anchor watches overnight. Currently it is our intention to remain at anchor here in Port Hacking overnight then take full advantage of tomorrows forecasted strong southerly to again sail north and give the Youth Crew some experience in sailing the ship in strong conditions. Until tomorrow, take care. Yours Aye Captain Gav