Fair winds and a following sea
Ahoy there me hearties, Wow; what a day!Before I get to that though, I’m very pleased to report that all YC managed to get to the topsail yard and nearly everybody made it to the topgallant yard last night during their first climb. An excellent effort and for many it meant overcoming real fear.This morning we woke to the dulcet tones of Dion accompanied by Men at Work ���Down Under at 0630. It was a glorious sunny day and to get the sleep out of our eyes we had a session of early morning wake up exercises prior to heading off to breakfast. At 0800 the YC witnessed the flag hoisting ceremony of ���Colours’ and the National Anthem was sung with gusto. Morning brief was then conducted followed by the joys of happy hour. This was followed by Bel providing a detailed safety lecture to the YC which was really the start of a very full on learning day.At 1100 anchor was weighed and the ship set sail for the first time and commenced the transit of Trinity Inlet to sea. The wind was a very favourable soueaster at 20 kts and once clear of the Cairns entrance channel engines were shut down (hopefully for some time). As the ship sailed north the YC busied themselves in their watches conducting line handling and deck safety training. This progressed to sail setting and furling drills and all the while the ship was making good speed northwards transiting the inner Great Barrier Reef.Once the Sailing Master was happy with the YC progression he discussed with them the basics of sail handling and how to tack and wear (gybe) the ship. Lecture complete and it was ���hands to tacking stations’ and shortly thereafter we wore ship. In total we conducted three wear ships and one tack. All were well handled and it has given me the confidence in them as my crew to commence our first night passage in reasonably tight navigational waters. As I type we are approaching Cape Tribulation with one watch on deck learning how to steer the ship amongst many other watchkeeping tasks. Below decks I can only presume the other two watches are fast asleep having worked very hard today. It was a great team effort.Nearly forgot; we managed to see a humpback whale cruising nearby late this afternoon although I doubt we will see many more as I believe we are near the northern extremity of the humpback migration. I don’t think they like the crocodiles.Chat to you tomorrow.Yours AyeCaptain Gunna
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
SE 15-20 kts, swell - not much.
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Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike