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Captain's Log
V18/18 Brisbane to Newcastle
13 October 2018
Day 8 – Command Day, Wind and Seas
Ahoy Shipmates…Command Day is upon us. At 1000 we handed the ship over to Captain Ben and his hardy crew…so unofficially staffies are on holidays!(we wish). The weather Gods have smiled upon us with some decent breeze for sailing. It’s proving challenging for the Youth Crew but they are pressing on…and the Green Goblin has returned, surprise surprise! I’ll had over to Captain Ben…Captain Kenny…Out! P.S. He is a bit unwell hence shortened version…
Captains Log Day 8 – Command Day
Command day may just be the most stressful day of my life (so far) with wind speeds above 30 knots and high seas coming from every angle. Nothing favoured the youthie crew at the start, as once the jib was set, the wind became too strong so we had to furl it. The challenging conditions and youthies questioning themselves in the conditions made for one hell of a day. We managed to check off 5 tasks with the devotion of the crew and the safety officers. These included setting the sails, polishing brass and making a hammock out of ropes at midships. However in all this fun and excitement people became sea sick once we left the safe haven of Port Stevens. Even I myself am feeling queasy as the ship tumbles and turns. The crew however made it through the day and will do so into the night when taking stations are called.
Latitude/Longitude:
32 59s / 152 09e
Conditions:
Wind: E at 25 knots Weather: Wind and rain squalls Swell: 2-3 metres Course: 040 true Speed: 4 knots
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Brisbane
26 September 2023
Day 1 – Ahoy new shipmates!
Ahoy there landlubbers, armchair sailors, and of course, our new ship mates! Welcome to the Captain's Log for Voyage 17/23!
Brisbane (Meeanjin) put on a spectacular sunny spring day to commence Voyage 17/23 with our brand-new Youth Crew and their friends and family joining us alongside HMAS Moreton. All our new friends came on board for a quick tour before gathering at midships for introductions. Once I’d welcomed everyone it was time to meet my talented crew taking us down to Newcastle. For this voyage I am joined by: Sail Master – Chucky, Navigator – Trev, Watch Officer – Charlotte, Red Watch Leader – Sara, Blue Watch Leader – Shaun, White Watch Leader – Theresa, Engineer – Nobby and last, but by no means least, Chef – Ash!
I could tell our new friends were itching to get off the wharf and kickstart their new adventure so, after some final hugs and farewells, we cast off the bow lines and sailed away from safe harbour.
During our delightful afternoon sail down the Brisbane River, Watch Leaders took charge for ice breakers and ships tours. Chef Ash then treated us all to a tough choice between Teriyaki Salmon and Lasagne for dinner.
After dinner, White Watch Leader and resident Safety Expert Theresa gave a Safety Brief, Chef Ash put on her Medical Care Provider hat and gave us a brief about staying healthy and well whilst on board, then Engineer Nobby told us all about the correct use of the ablutions on board (90 second showers!). There was then a little free time to enjoy the fresh air on the uppers before we pulled up at our destination for the night.
Once at anchor we settled on deck for a chat with Sail Master Chucky and the Captain (wait... that’s me!). Finally, it was time for bed and a last chance to get a full night’s sleep. Tonight, the Staffies have volunteered to keep the ship safe but from tomorrow we’ll be up overnight learning how to keep watches. Tune in tomorrow (and each night) to follow along the journey with us!
Stay safe new friends! Captain Libby+
Brisbane
13 September 2023
Day 10 – Ahoy Brisbane (Meanjin)
We woke up at anchor just across from Tangalooma to the upbeat tunes of Rather Be. A delicious breakfast of pancakes and ice cream lead into a fun new game called Partner Twister. This was followed by an enthusiastic Morning Brief from the Staffies and a particularly detailed Happy Hour.
The good ship was soon underway across the picturesque Moreton Bay with the ever-growing Brisbane skyline in the distance. The Youthies were treated to a tasty lunch prepared by the wonderful Chef Ash and the dynamic trio of Master Chefs Wilhelm, Danielle and Thomas.
As lunch was wrapping up the Youthies and Staffies were treated to a sail-past encounter with the sail ship South Passage. As voyage debriefs got underway the mood was reflective with many a personal goal being ticked off from each watch’s goal sheet.
The Youthies were kept on their toes by occasional calls to tacking stations as the ship neared Brisbane Harbour. A final round of Rope Races ensued involving Zooper Dooper speed eating. With the scores all counted, White watch came out on top of the particularly close competition.
Coming to the final berth of the voyage, the Youthies and Staffies combined their efforts, harbour furling the square sails and recovering the ship’s boat.
Pizza making and signing handbooks took up the remaining time before dinner with everyone celebrating Ben’s Birthday and looking back on the highlights of the voyage through the slideshow created by Moonie. The night also included important like skills such as ‘How to take a shower on the STS Young Endeavour’, ‘How to work the door shift at K-Mart’ and finally ‘Time Management’, the last being prepared minutes before presentation.
As this is the final Youthie contribution to the Captain’s log for Voyage 16/23 I would like to congratulate and thank the Staffies and Youthies for giving their full effort to making this voyage as challenging, enjoyable, empowering and rewarding as it has been for everyone! And to the family members and friends who have been following these logs we all look forward to seeing you again soon!
By Elijah and Jessica
Brisbane
12 September 2023
Day 9 – Ahoy Moreton Bay! (Command Day Part 2)
Good morrow our peoples,
Ahhh Command Day. What a lovely 24 hours it was!! So peaceful, so smooth, so amazing! Kidding! The weather came in clutch, and made us proper sailors, really hardening those now bullet proof shells on our backs. With watches working around the clock to keep the ship upright and in motion strong winds, harsh rain, and sleepy sailors made for a rough journey, but we made it!! And we are all still alive (a good thing!).
We may have missed some way points along the way, but we completed our tasks and navigational course to surpass Staffies standards including an amazing Morning Brief, “chalk mural”, line dance, DIY Hammock, snappy hour and game show. Our very own Cheffos stepped up to create three awesome meals, as well as fulfilling their roles as salty dogs on watch. They created some delicious brownies, which were missed by some as they struggled above decks until well into the night. Morale was kept high though in little laughs here and there through the struggles.
After just one night, we were all walking dead. Upon handing over the ship, the Youth Crew could be found cozied up in their bunks, after last nights ‘getting air’ during sleep. We were then awoken from our naps for Rope Races and a nice surprise to see Moreton Island. We then reflected on the good, the not-so-good, and the takeaways from our arduous Command Day, with lessons learned that will stay with us long after our voyage.
Jumping straight back to the bonus round of Rope Races, the watches were challenged to an egg drop, with only a limited number of materials at hand. Some eggs survived, and some found themselves with mild concussions. The Whities won, albeit somewhat controversially. “It was legit” they claim.
Then a delicious barbeque dinner, with ocean sunset views and a challenging trivia game, with many funky bonus rounds. Allen’s Party Mix won with 48 points all up, but it was fun all round.
It’s now past our bedtime, so goodnight for now as we head into anchor watches.
By Danielle, Freya and Tayah <3
