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Captain's Log
V13/21 Brisbane to Brisbane
23 September 2021
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:
25 56 S / 153 08 E
Conditions:
Wind: 025 @ 5kts. Temp: 16. Swell: Nil. Weather: Clear.
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V03/23
08 February 2023
Day 11 – Hobart Arrival
Hi Everyone, Welcome to Day 11 and the final day of our voyage. It was a well-rested Youth Crew that mustered on deck for an Early Morning Brief at 0630 this morning. Our anchorage overnight in Sandy Bay had proven to be a good one and we all managed to get a good night’s sleep. Being the last morning Chef Haydon served up a continental breakfast which meant that we all got to help ourselves to toast, pastries, cereals, yogurt and our final pieces of fresh fruit. A shorter than normal Morning Brief followed, then the Youth Crew put on their harnesses, mustered up on deck then ‘manned the yards’ ready for our entry into Hobart’s Sullivan’s Cove. At 0900 we weighed anchor then conducted a slower than normal transit over to Sullivan’s Cove due to the arrival of the impressive Cruise Ship ‘Queen Elizabeth’. Once QE was safely alongside we proceeded to the Princess Wharf where we berthed port side to the No 2 Berth at 1000 where we were welcomed by a good gathering of family and friends and a number of other interested people keen to get a close look at the ship. Once safely alongside the Youth Crew came down from the foremast (lay below) and gathered at midship’s where I presented all of them with Certificates of Achievement and said our final emotional goodbyes. Once the Youth Crew had departed the ship the Staff set about completing ‘end of voyage checks’ and getting ready for our next voyage. On a personal note, I would like to thank all of the Youth Crew of Voyage 03/23 for the effort that you have put in throughout this voyage, you are a wonderful group of young Australians and all of the Staff Crew of Young Endeavour have enjoyed sharing this sailing adventure with you and wish you all the very best for the future. Young Endeavour will stay alongside in Hobart and participate in the Australian Wooden Boat Festival 10-13 Feb 23 before embarking a new Youth Crew for Voyage 04/23 and sailing to Adelaide. We will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday 11 & 12 Feb so if you are in Hobart drop down and say hello. Until next voyage, take care Yours Aye Captain Gav
V03/23
07 February 2023
Day 10 – Final Night
Hi Everyone, Welcome to Day 10 and the final night of our voyage. Following a peaceful night at anchor the Youth Crew woke to an overcast morning in Port Arthur. Originally we had plans to depart our anchorage early but a leaking grey water pipe required an emergency repair by our engineers, so we delayed our departure and completed harbour furls of the squares (very neat furls) instead. With repairs and harbour furls complete we departed our anchorage and then battled strong head winds and an ugly 2-3m swell in Storm Bay to final make it to the calmer waters of the Derwent River where we came to anchor just off the Hobart Casino at 1920 tonight. Once it gets dark later this evening we will screen a slideshow of memorable moments experienced throughout the voyage then complete our end of voyage admin before settling into anchor watches overnight for the final time for the voyage. That’s enough from me I will now handover to Anna, Kate and Allie who will give you a full run-down of our action packed day. Until tomorrow, take care Yours Aye Captain GavArgh! Ahoy there. This morning the peaceful sleep of the Youth Crew was rudely disrupted by Imagine Dragon’s ‘On Top of The World’, and with great reluctance, we dragged ourselves upstairs to the beautiful view of Port Arthur where we had anchored the night before. To wake everyone up a game of ‘Moose’ was played, which ended chaotically (some of us still in our sleeping bags). After another delicious breakfast involving quadruple-tiered sandwiches and a 15 minute wait for the toaster, the Youthies were ready for morning brief. Liv enthralled us for 10 minutes with a joke that could have lasted for two, featuring Bob the Loser and a pod of bloodthirsty porpoises. Following brief, we split into watches and discussed our end-of-voyage goals and takeaways. We all agreed that this voyage has encouraged us to take every opportunity we could get our hands on, and has resulted in personal growth all round. If you’re reading this and thinking of applying for a voyage, do it! We promise you won’t regret it. Youth Crew were then tasked with the job of harbour furls, which required every Youthie to climb aloft and spread out across the three yards of the foremast – Reddies on the top gallant, Whiteys on the topsail, and Blueys on the course. In raging 18 knot winds, we struggled to fold the sails up into the UV covers whilst holding on for dear life using nothing but the yard and a footrope. Fortunately no one fell off, our biggest accomplishment. All sails were folded successfully, with Blueys doing exceptionally well on the course, earning Chucky’s praise. To determine once and for all the best watch (although it goes without saying Blueys are superior, no biases here), Shaun hosted a round of Zooper Dooper races. The chaos that ensued is indescribable, each watch competing to eat their icy poles the fastest. Brain freeze was inevitable. Unfortunately, Red watch came in first place, with White watch only seconds behind. Blue watch came third, but technically that’s still on the podium. Finally it was free time, with some Youthies heading to bed for a well-deserved rest while the others joined Reddies on their watch, where they jammed out to some music and rode the waves, joined by dolphins. It was hard work though, with the youthies putting up two sails, fighting against the wind. However it was a highlight in everyone’s day when a huge wave came over the bow and absolutely drenched Evan. Pizza night! It was something everyone was looking forward to and Haydo did not disappoint. With six different types of homemade pizzas (nearly 200 slices), we were spoilt once again. As we sailed into Hobart, Blueys took over watch – many of us finishing up bucket list goals we always wanted to do, such as climbing the 33m main mast and taking a selfie on the bowsprit. We were graced with dolphins several times throughout the evening until we finally arrived in Sandy Bay, Hobart, where we will be spending the night at peaceful anchor. Shoutout to the Green family parentals and siblings. I’m a little green and red but having a blast. Can’t wait to see you all soon. Miss you. Love Allie. Shoutout to the Mulcahy family – Mum, Dad, Owen and Lukey. Hope you haven’t killed my fish and plants. See you tomorrow. Love Anna Hey Clarkes – you better be reading these! Miss you and love you all loads – Dad, hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow! Let Grandpa know I didn’t get seasick, he was right. Love Katelyn Signing off for now, Anna, Kate and Allie, proud members of the best watch, Blue Watch.
V03/23
06 February 2023
Day 9 – Command Day Part 2
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