Dolphin Escort
After a good nights’ sleep we were up early this morning for some exercises. After a great breakfast cooked by our lovely chef, Karen, and served by her trusty helpers, we got the day underway. I gave a Sailing Theory lecture that was understood very well and then with our new found knowledge we sailed from the anchorage at The Anchorage and departed the lovely and picturesque Port Stephens. Later in the day we did four sets of demonstrational tacks to explain to the Youth Crew in detail how we go about tacking, which will be important to them when they assume command of Young Endeavour in a few days time.We will probably spend the next two days beating south and arrive in Broken Bay on Sunday night. The Youth Crew are going extremely well and they are a great group to sail with. Youth Crew entry by Donna Bush aged 23 from Kalumburu, The Kimberley W.A., Louise King aged 21 from Ferntree Gully VIC and Anna Stewart aged 23 from Grafton N.S.W.On the Young Endeavour Friday is brasso day and we soon learnt that there is a lot of brass on this ship. After spending a night anchored in the calm bay of Port Stephens we had forgotten how rough the open sea can be. As the seasickness began to take hold, our spirits were lifted by a pod of 24 (not 23) dolphins which escorted us out to sea. The food here is really good and we are beginning to be able to keep it down. We have tired muscles and are a bit sunburnt but are mostly having fun.The cramped living has been OK but it gets hard when everyone is sick and grumpy and there is no personal space.Climbing aloft is becoming easier but the wind seems to be getting stronger up there. There’s a real feeling of achievement when you come down from climbing and realise that YOU helped to sea furl that sail. A rainbow just appeared which is a nice way to think of those that we miss.Hello to our families, everyone in the Kimberleys, Ferntree Gully and BrisVegas, Starbabe, Giboy, and Dwayne.xoxoxStay tunedAndrew Davis
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
CO's Log Friday 16 Feb 01Current situation at 1800: At sea, at speed off Port Stephens. Wind sou'sou'east at 18 knots, sloppy seas. Temp 21C. Position3243S, 15235E.
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Dear Future Youthies,
I'm sure you've been told already to embrace the challenges and make the most of every situation. Despite how strong or scared you may find yourself — you will face challenges.
Chaos, even when it feels scary, is a fundamental part of growth.
Our second night was a testament to that. Having weighed anchor and begun sailing, the midship area — and just about anywhere you could find a railing — quickly turned into an infirmary.
"2, 6, Heave" became "2, 6, eughhhh!!!" The wind was howling, mocking the youthies' lack of experience, only interrupted by the retching of our fellow shipmates. The youthies sat exhausted and confused, whilst the main flipped and the jib furling line ran out of line. The only explanation was Chris saying, "I've never seen this before." (x2!)
After the storm had passed and the land demons were purged, the sun rose, and a new day radiated its warmth on a changed crew. And with it, an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the night — and to discover the outlines of the supportive, safe community we had found ourselves in.
Whilst uncomfortable, we quickly realised it was a necessary part of growing closer as a team. Stripping us of our egos (and our dinner), the sea became a sanctuary — a safe place for all of us, youthies and staff included, to be our authentic selves, to slow down, and to appreciate ourselves, our surroundings, and — most importantly — each other.
— The Youthies of Voyage 08/26
Thanks for a great voyage Youth Crew. See you over the horizon! Captain Leups Out +
