Captain's Log
19 December 2013

Day 7 – Kangaroo Island

Hi Everyone, Welcome to day 7 of our voyage. Regrettably overnight and during this morning the wind again moderated to less than 8kts which meant that we again had utilise main engines. By morning brief were located 20nm to the south east of the Backstairs Passage motor sailing under a reduced fore and aft sail plan. During the morning I conducted Captains setting and furling drills. These drills are the final training activity prior to the commencement of Command Day and ensure that all watches can safely set and furl all sails. This afternoon in extremely warm conditions (temperature reached 40 degrees on Kangaroo Island today) I conducted the Captains Sail Challenge which on this occasion required the Youth Crew to bring the Ship under a ‘full press’ of sail without any assistance from their Watch Leaders. This was all achieved in the required time and was extremely pleasing as it proved to the staff how much the Youth Crew have learnt in the previous seven days of training. At the completion of this activity all sail was handed in and we came safely to anchor just to the north of American River which is located in East Cove on Kangaroo Island. This evening following a refreshing swim, and a late BBQ dinner, I conducted the Command Day brief which was followed by the Command elections. To complete the evening’s activities we are currently screening on deck the classic Tallship movie ‘Around Cape Horn’. On completion of this movie we will settle into anchor watches overnight ensuring that everyone will be well rested for tomorrows challenging Command Day. Until tomorrow, take care Yours Aye Captain Gav

Latitude/Longitude:

35° 47' South / 137° 48' East

Conditions:

Currently at anchor at East Cove (Kangaroo Island) and experiencing light SE winds with nil swell. Current temperature is still 30 degrees.