First Log for Passage 4

Hi Everyone, Welcome to day 3 of our voyage. Since joining Young Endeavour on the 24th April our new World Voyagers have been kept busy with tours of the Gallipoli Battlefields, Troia (Troy) and the seaside town of Assos where they visited Greek and Roman ruins. They have also been given plenty of time to enjoy the wonderful waterfront cafes and shops here in Canakkale.  Originally we had planned to sail for Istanbul tomorrow morning but as we need to make some fresh water with our RO plant I decided that we would sail this evening and experience the joy of sailing through the Dardanelles at sunset. As it is only 132nm to Istanbul we should arrive early tomorrow evening and not the morning of 29 April as previously scheduled.  Late this afternoon we commenced our training program with a very thorough safety equipment brief conducted by our resident safety equipment specialist Dougie, and other ship related activities will continue tonight once we get underway.  Already our new World Voyagers have gotten into the routine of writing the Captains Log so please enjoy Passage Four’s first Log written by Alison and Pip. Enjoy!!Captains Log: 24 – 27 Apr 15  Merhaba (hello) from Turkey!  We met Dougie and the crew in Istanbul early on 24th April prior to a 7 hour bus ride to Canakkale. The first thing we learned was the difference between Turkish and Australian metres and minutes, as we trekked “300m” (a.k.a. 1000m) with heavy bags through heaving crowds in blocked off streets in anticipation for ANZAC Day from where the bus dropped us off (past the ferry) and then back again.  Our predecessors (Voyage 3 crew) kindly showed us around our new home for the next 50 days and shared their wild experience with us. We slipped from the mooring at 2300 towards Gallipoli in preparation for the big day ahead. With 70 people on board, and far less beds, bodies were scattered in every nook and cranny to catch a few winks. A commendable effort to the chefs for keeping the hungry crowds well fed for the 24 hours.  A chilly 0430 start with a sombre, reflective mood set the tone as the fiery red sun broke across the cove. To break the silence, the service was broadcast on deck. We were part of the flotilla in ANZAC Cove, along with 10 war ships, including HMAS ANZAC. Everyone was so proud to have had the opportunity to be present for Dawn Service that marked the centenary of ANZAC Day. It was an unforgettable morning, and we were honoured to have the experience.The Navy crew marked the occasion with their official uniforms and laid a wreath overboard in remembrance. Special thanks to Captain Gav, all the staffies, and VIPs Marshall and Zeke – we really appreciate you making this possible for us.  A few hours later, we bid farewell to crew 3… and took over the ship. We were introduced to the staffies, found out our watch groups, and sang happy birthday to Lachy and Tom. We then had a quick tour of the ship, found our bunks, madly unpacked, and deserted our ship for an afternoon in Canakkale. The locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming as we explored the alleyways and sipped on Turkish tea. Catching a 2130 ferry back to the ship, we savoured our 90 second showers and got some well needed sleep.  “What a Wonderful World….” This cheerful tune was a great way to start the day over the PA with a 0700 wakey wakey. With several options for the day, we set off on the ferry at 0800 and half the crew ventured out to Troy and Assos, with the others exploring Canakkale further.  Our knowledgeable guide, Seyhan, managed to speak for 8 hours straight with a detailed description of rocks ruins. Seriously though, he gave us some great insight into the history, the feats of engineering and architecture, and legends of Troy. Lots of fun was had, with the famous Trojan horse and dressing up as warriors and empresses.  Leaving the archaeological digs behind, our guide led us to Assos where we were blown away by…. Everything! The views, the food (the Sea Bass was delicious), the people, the village, the weather, and the steep and narrow road (and a 10-point bus turn on the side of a cliff ). After our sensational lunch (and making plans to retire there), we moved on to the Assos amphitheatre where we impressed by the acoustics, preservation and stunning views (and the turtle).  A “15 minute” “300m” uphill “walk” led us to our last stop at the Temple of Athena. The amazing ruins, views (including a happy bride and groom), and wild poppies had us speechless, however, we were somewhat distracted by the Turkeys in Turkey . TeÅŸekkür ederim (thank you) to Jennifer and the team for organising such a fantastic day.  We returned to Canakkale to reunite with our full crew and hear hazy details of scooter break-downs and another fantastic view of Turkish fighter jets putting on an air show. The views from shore were spectacular with the Young Endeavour in the background. This was a repeat performance from the ANZAC Day fly bys which we were privileged to witness from the ship’s deck the day before.  Yet to do any sailing or watch work (!), we have had 3 incredible days. We can’t wait for the next 47. What a sensational start to Voyage 4.  Alison & Pip  PS – Tomorrow we will be visiting the battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula, before preparing to set sail for Istanbul. At the Australian and New Zealand cemeteries we\’ll also be laying crosses with messages from school children from all over Australia as part of a commemorative project by the Australian War Memorial. Captain Gav and Sailmaster Taffy say we have a busy day ahead so as Voyage 3 have told you all about their battlefield tour already we will write again when underway to Istanbul!”