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Day 6 – I’m a rainbow too
Dear readers, day 6 of Voyage 13/21 found the ship at sea adventuring overnight, sailing in a lovely south-easterly breeze and southerly swell. Joy! Teamwork activities took place overnight too, to the east of Fraser Island. Then at 0700, myself and Reggie took each watch through their paces to assess seamanship abilities in setting and furling sails. This activity is a final validation to check their skills and safety prior to Command Day. I’m pleased to say, ladies and gents, they all performed successfully (as expected) and we gave them a big air tick and two thumbs up. Demonstrational Tacks was the next activity on the program, which is an opportunity for everyone to see how a tack works from the bridge. They know how to tack in their regular positions, and they’ve done Rotational Tacks to see how the other watches do it… so this was the final piece of the ‘tacking’ puzzle leading into Command Day. Speaking of which, I gave them the Command Day spiel after lunch, laying down the ins and outs of what to expect, etc… There was nervous tension in the air, my friends. What they needed was a dose of salt water, and that’s what they got as we rigged the rope swing and opened the pool. They were flopping and flipping and flailing. And having lots and lots of fun. A fantastic way to end the day… But a better way is with BBQ tacos on the upper deck as the sun goes down. Yes sir-ee! Spoilt lot these!! Yew. Anyway, Command Day elections took place next and news just to hand… I’m proud to announce that Remi is the Youth Crew Captain, Chelsea Sail Master (mistress), Ben the Navigator, India and Grace are the Watch Leaders and Belle’n’Bec are chefs. Well done and congratulations all. Really looking forward to see how these lovely sea dogs perform and serve their people… Of course I know they will be successful, I am a proud and biased captain ïŠ Anyway, I look forward to hearing from Captain Remi tomorrow night. Until then, stay safe. Captain Adam Charlie Farley+
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Wind: 025 @ 5kts. Temp: 16. Swell: Nil. Weather: Clear.
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Day 2 found the ship tucked away nice and snug in the lee of the lovely, Mud Island in Moreton Bay. Hands were called at 0630 and the youth crew's presence was kindly requested topside for a bit of move and shake, for our first early morning activity. Then it was away to wash and eat before morning brief took place on the bridge after the formalities of our Colours ceremony at 0800. Dion hatched the plan for the day and then Theresa (our lifesaving and safety equipment expert) took charge for a collective closer look at said lifesaving equipment. Whilst that was happening, remaining staff weighed anchor under a gorgeous blue and sun drenched day and we commenced our pilotage out of Moreton Bay - with Emma the Navigator as our trusty Pilot. Once Theresa had completed her briefing, youth crew turned-to cleaning stations, or as we call it, "happy hour". Whales, turtles and dolphins frolicked as we sailed past them and then out into the Coral Sea we went. A large cargo ship tooted their horn, 'adieu', and we responded in kind. All the while our sea puppies set and furled the sails, had a wee break for lunch, then continued with same all afternoon. Finally, when watch leaders gave me the nod, I gave Dion a wink and he called the ship to tacking stations. Ladies and gents, boys and girls, it was with almost mechanical precision that this youth crew of ours, performed their duties in a well oiled fashion, and they did tack this ship, back and forth, several times to drill and practice the required actions to manouevre this beautiful ship through the wind. I was well impressed. Bravo I said, then Dion stood them down for half an hour. Dinner was taken at 1715, then the youth crew turned-to sea watches, to assist with navigational safety overnight, whilst the others slept soundly. Each watch would take a four hour trick to follow the navigation plan by helm, keep lookout duties and conduct hourly rounds throughout the night. Additionally they would consolidate sail handling and climbing procedures. If they didn't know, now they know - This here is a working ship and we have no passengers embarked. Captain Adam Charlie Farley+
