Day 7 – Goldsmith Island

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight Young Endeavour continued making ground to the north through the Inner Great Barrier Reef. The watches were kept extremely busy overnight with numerous squall fronts buffeting the ship requiring constant sail changes not withstanding the tacking and wearing to follow the navigation plan through the IGBR. At an obscured sunrise the ship was making good six knots in strong conditions under an overcast sky, we haven’t seen the sun in six days and everything is saturated from the constant showers but morale remains high, in fact I believe some of the crew are growing webbed feet and hands. The morning brief was conducted with vigour, then the ship was called to taking stations in order to conduct demonstrational tacks. This enabled each watch the opportunity to stand on the bridge and observe the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked through the wind. These set of tacks consolidated the sail theory and practical deck work instruction gained over the previous six days.Next on the agenda was 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 without their Watch Leaders, displaying high standards of teamwork, communication, knowledge and safety.All sails were then handed in and the ship anchored in the stunning Roylen Bay, Goldsmith Island. With the ship safely at anchor the Young Endeavour pool was opened to provide yet another invigorating activity which produced some truly inspiring somersaults into the azure waters utilising the course yard rope swing. With excess energy expended the Youth Crew then elected their Command Team in preparation for the following day when they will take control of the ship for 24 hours in the capable hands of Youth Captain Brennan and his team.To complete the evening a special movie was screened for the Youth Crew, depicting a young man who sailed around Cape Horn in 1929 on one of the last tall ship cargo vessels. Many similarities and comparisons could be drawn 80 years later with our own band of young adventurers. So after another very busy day, the Youth Crew have settled into their anchor watches for the night, hopefully achieving 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 enormously both individually and collectively as the voyage continues to gain momentum. Command Day approaches with great anticipation for all. 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 Brennan and his team, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien