Day 7 – Broken Bay

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight the ship continued making ground south west. At sunrise the ship was abeam Norah Head, sailing under fore and aft sails in a clear but crisp morning. Morning brief was conducted quickly followed by ���Happy Half Hour’ as the Youth Crew was becoming very proficient at cleaning the ship within the allocated time. With the ship at Sail Master Taffy’s high standard of cleanliness, watches were mustered midships on the upper deck where I assessed Captain’s Setting and Furling Drills, these drills are designed to evaluate each watch in their ability to safely set and furl sails without compromising their own or the team’s safety in preparation for Command Day. It was with great satisfaction that each watch successfully completed setting and furling the designated sails, displaying high standards of teamwork, communication, knowledge, leadership and safety.With these drills successfully completed and lunch safely tucked under our belts the ship conducted demonstrational tacks where each watch in turn stood on the bridge and watched the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked. These tacks consolidated the sail theory provided over the previous seven days. On completion of the last tack a simulated man overboard exercise was conducted to ensure all hands knew exactly what to do in this scenario. Once this activity had completed the ship sailed into Broken Bay and anchored at picturesque Patonga Beach. All Youth Crew were ferried ashore by sea boat and conducted an energetic sports afternoon. When all hands had returned, I gathered the Youth Crew and briefed them on the impending Command Day when they will assume command of Young Endeavour for 24 hours, collectively enabling each to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the previous seven days.Then prior to a magnificent BBQ dinner the Youth Crew elected their new command team, results now known, the Young Endeavour will be in the capable hands of Youth Captain Aaron and his team commencing 1300 tomorrow. So after another very busy day the Youth Crew have settled into their anchor watches for the night, and hopefully will achieve a good night’s rest in anticipation and preparation for tomorrow’s commencement of Command Day.Our last seven days at sea had seen significant developments in the overall journey of our young adventurers. They have progressed dramatically both individually and collectively as the voyage continues to gain momentum. The intention is to remain at anchor overnight prior to weighing in the afternoon for the adventure and challenge that is Command Day in Young Endeavour. Until tomorrow evening when we will read the exploits of Youth Captain Aaron and his team, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien