Captain's Log
20 February 2008

Final Night for Voyage 03/08

Ahoy Shipmates,This Morning was overcast with moderate southerly winds and frequent showers. After colours and a short morning brief the YC were turned to at ���Happy Hour�� in preparation for receiving our guests for the half day sail. The anchor was weighed at 0830 and the ship made the short passage to Williamstown where she berthed for the first time at Workshop Pier. After sullage (rubbish) was landed and stores embarked 30 guests from the Berry Street Child Welfare Organisation and other guests were welcomed onboard. The departure time for the voyage was delayed by one hour due to the late arrival of some guests because of ���traffic chaos�� in Melbourne. The lines were cast off at 1100 and the ship departed its berth utilising a combination of main engines and sail in a well executed demonstration of good sail and seamanship practices. On clearing the berth we altered course into the Williamstown Channel, set sail, shut down engines then proceeded up the Yarra River. Despite the now steady rain Young Endeavour and her guests enjoyed a perfect sail down under the Westgate Bridge and continued up the Yarra for the next hour before turning around to make our return journey to Williamstown. Throughout the half day sail, the YC acted as perfect hosts, serving food, refreshments and entertaining our guests with a repertoire of their favourite YE songs. By 1245 it was time to hand in all sail and begin the passage back to our berth, arriving as planned at 1300. Once our sodden but happy guests had departed, stores for the next voyage were embarked and end of voyage talks conducted. By mid afternoon the weather conditions were still unpleasant with heavy rain and strong southerly winds. To make us all feel better Jarod prepared a fantastic dinner of fresh seafood, fillet steak and grilled chicken breast. The last evening together for Voyage 03/08 has been spent completing harbour furls, end of voyage questionnaires and ���letters to themselves��. These letters are returned to each YC member six months after voyage completion. Tomorrow will see the completion of Voyage 03/08 when we are met by family and friends at 1000 when we berth at the Workshop Pier Williamstown. This has been another great adventure for the 24 Youth Crew and the Staff Crew of STS Young Endeavour. Until our next voyage, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Gav

Latitude/Longitude:

37° 52' South / 144° 55' East

Conditions:

Currently experiencing very cool conditions in Port Phillip Bay (15 degrees)with moderate south-south easterly winds.