Day 7 – Port Phillip Bay

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight Young Endeavour continued beating North West along the South East Victorian coast with all fore and aft sails set against a 2.5 metre westerly swell. At sunrise the ship was abeam Cape Schnack in sight of Phillip Island, making six knots in a bracing and invigorating sea air. The morning brief was conducted with vigour quickly followed by cleaning stations aka happy hour. With the ship at Sail Master Dutchy’s high standard of cleanliness, watches were mustered midships on the upper deck where I presented a lesson on sail theory to the Youth Crew in order to consolidate the practical aspects of the deck and sail work that they have been conducting over the previous six days. Then it was time for lunch, followed by round six of Rope Races. With a commendable performance by each watch this activity is closely contested on a daily basis with a mystery final award.The ship was then called to tacking stations which had the dual purpose of avoiding the lee shore of the Victorian coast and enabling each watch to witness the command and control aspects of this evolution from the bridge as the ship was tacked four times As the ship closed Point Nepean at the opening to Port Phillip Bay the Youth Crew proceeded aloft casting loose the gaskets on all the square sails in preparation for a high speed run through the rip and into the bay. Unfortunately the ship was twice directed to tack away on approach as merchant vessels were given priority passage by the Port Control. This had the added benefit of gaining more sailing handling experience while concurrently admiring the geographic features to the entrance of Port Phillip Bay.Once through the rip and into the sheltered bay, the Youth Crew experienced a feeling that was almost foreign to them, that was of flat calm water. As the ship transited along the channel all sails were handed in as the ship proceeded to anchor adjacent to the Rye Jetty on the south east corner of Port Phillip Bay at 1900.After a magnificent dinner by Chef Adrian it was time for the Youth Crew to elect their Command Team, results now known, the Young Endeavour will be in the capable hands of Youth Captain Aravinda and his team as of 1500 tomorrow. 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 as a team 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 Aravinda and his team, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien