Final Night of Voyage 08/12

Hi Everyone, A well rested Youth Crew awoke to a fine but overcast morning. Unfortunately the normal Day 10 Half Day Sail for young people with disabilities which had been programmed for today had to be cancelled due to the late notice of an available berth at the Port of Townsville. In its place Carly the Sail Mistress organised a full day of activities including a ships sports day that was held on an isolated beach not far from the ships anchorage. On completion of these activities the Youth Crew sat down with their respective Watch Leaders for end of voyage talks then on their return to the ship participated in their final round of rope races prior to proceeding aloft to complete harbour furls. This evening following a magnificent ‘Roast’ dinner the Youth Crew screened a photo slide show up on deck. This slide show has become a popular part of the Young Endeavour Program and gives the Youth Crew an opportunity to reflect on the past 10 days and their amazing experiences throughout the voyage. The Youth Crew have spent the rest of this evening completing end of voyage questionnaires and “letters to themselves”, which are returned to each Youth Crew member six months after voyage completion. Whilst the Youth Crew were completing these final administration tasks the Staff Crew took the opportunity to conduct our own end of voyage debrief. Tomorrow morning will be another early start for the Youth Crew’s final day of the voyage. Following breakfast and morning brief the Youth Crew will complete their final ‘happy hour’. Whilst this is occurring, the ship will weigh anchor and commences its 14nm passage from Horseshoe Bay to the Port of Townsville. As we near the port the Youth Crew will ‘man the yards’ so that we can make our normal spectacular entry into the harbour were we will then proceed to berth port side to Townsville Port Berth No 7 for the final time for this voyage at 1000. Once alongside family and friends will be invited onboard for a tour of the ship and to witness my final address and the presentation of Certificates of Achievement to all of the Youth Crew. Following this presentation we will say our final emotional farewell to the Youth Crew of Voyage 19/11 as they depart the ship. On a personal note, I would like to thank all of the Youth Crew of Voyage 08/12 for the effort that you put in throughout this voyage. You are a great group of young Australians and all of the Staff Crew of Young Endeavour have thoroughly enjoyed spending the past 10 days sailing with all of you.Prior to the Ship sailing for Cairns I will hand it back to the fulltime Captain LCDR Damien Munchenberg. It has been fantastic being back onboard and I look forward to returning again for another voyage later in the year when Captain Mike (New Captain) will take a routine break. Until then, take care. Yours Aye Captain Gav