FINAL NIGHT OF VOYAGE

Hi Everyone, This morning was overcast and extremely cold. Following a short morning brief the anchor was weighed and we transited the short distance to Sullivans Cove were we berthed starboard side to Macquarie No 1 Berth at 0900. After sullage (garbage) was landed and stores embarked, 15 guests from TASCARE Disability Services and number of other guests were welcomed onboard. Due to the late arrival of some these guests our departure was delayed until 1040 and even then after the ship had departed the berth we had to return alongside 5 minutes later to pickup some other late arrivals. Finally at 1100 with all guests onboard we proceeded out into the Derwent River were engines were shut down and the ship brought under sail. In near perfect conditions our guests enjoyed a most memorable 2 hour sail around this spectacular river. At 1300 we returned to our berth at Macquarie No 1 were we farewelled our guests. This afternoon whilst still alongside the Youth Crew proceeded ashore with their respective Watch Leaders for end of voyage talks then on their return participated in their final round of rope races prior to proceeding aloft to complete harbour furls (very neat furls). This evening we enjoyed a fantastic ‘teak deck’ BBQ cooked by the Youth Crew then departed our berth and proceeded back out to anchor at Sandy Bay were at dusk we commenced a photo slide show up on deck capturing various moments and experiences during the voyage. 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 rest of this evening has been spent with the Youth Crew 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 normal end of voyage debrief. Tomorrow morning we will depart our anchorage at Sandy Bay and berth alongside Macquarie Wharf Berth No 1 at 1000 for the final time for this voyage. Once alongside we will invite family and guests onboard for a tour of the ship then I will conduct a brief ceremony and award Certificates of Achievement to all of the Youth Crew of Voyage 03/11. On completion of this ceremony we will say our emotional farewells. This is the final Captains Log for this voyage. Young Endeavour will remain alongside in Hobart until Monday 14 February when we will embark our new Youth Crew for Voyage 04/11 which is from Hobart to Sydney. On a personel note, I would like to thank all of the Youth Crew of Voyage 03/11 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 with all of you. Prior to the Ship sailing for Sydney 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 Damien will take another well deserved break. Until then, take care. Yours Aye Captain Gav