Hook Passage, Langford Reef, Stonehaven

Ahoy shipmates,Young Endeavour spent a restful night at anchor in the magnificent Apostle Bay, with sheer cliffs around us. We got underway bright and early to make the most of a sunrise transit through Hook Passage (between Whitsunday and Hook Islands). To use a term of my own invention, it was serenic (serene and scenic). Dramatic scenery and glassy seas. After breaky we made our way to Langford Reef, just south of Hayman Island. After a quick morning brief and happy hour, it was time to head ashore for some exercise (see below) and swimming. On advice from a local guide we then made our way over to Ian’s Point, Stonehaven Bay and once again the Youth Crew left the ship to do some snorkelling in  the azure waters…sighting a variety of sea life, including a shy little turtle! As we were weighing anchor with had the privilege of a fly by from one of the Navy’s Armidale Class Patrol Boats…much to the excitement of a few budding sailors onboard. Once underway a twilight set of demo tacks (where I talk the Youth Crew how tack the ship) was completed before they settled into watches overnight, preparing for “Captain’s Setting and Furling early tomorrow off Whitehaven Beach. But now for a Youth Crew perspective.Until tomorrow,Fair winds.Captain Kenny Ahoy there land people! What a fabulous day we had today. We were woken up with A SWEET Xavier Rudd tune, followed by a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, croissants and baked beans. Thanks to chefy Zackerina! We then had a quick morning brief where, as per usual, we were told another instalment of Salty’s riveting story. Next up it was the happiest hour of the day! (happy happy happy hour!). To refuel after cleaning we had an early lunch of burgers (the burgers are better at hungry Zac’s!)We’ve been pretty lucky with our voyage, seeing some of the most incredible sights Australia has to offer, but we have to say today was pretty special! We went ashore to Langford island and hiked up a hill (all 300 metres!) to the most spectacular view of blue waters and our beautiful girl the Young Endeavour in the background. After that we had a paddle in the beautiful blue waters, and unfortunately we had a casualty! Ben, one of our fellow reddies, cut his foot on some coral. We thought we might have to amputate for a while, but a bandaid and Zac’s excellent first aid skills fixed him up nice and good. After that, it was back to the ship to refill our water bottles and lather up with sunscreen and then off to a reef for some snorkelling! Honestly, how lucky are we!!It’s not all play and no work on this voyage, so the afternoon saw us continuing our sail education with Tacking (Kenny’s fave) demonstrations. Here, we all took turns up on the bridge seeing how to conduct a Tack or Wear of the ship, getting us ready for command day.Dinner time, chefo Zac served up some delicious tandoori chicken, chops and potatoes with a desert of caramel slice and ice cream! We’re on watch now, so we had better get back to it!So we’ll leave you with this, in the wise words of Rio; It’s time to make mistakes while we’re young!Kara, Aedon and Izzy (Red watch).
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Course:  002 true    Speed:  4 knotsWind:  Easterly at 6 knots    Swell:  Nil   Weather:   Fine
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ARRRGH, ahoy there from the spectacular Jervis Bay! We’ve all been taken A-back by the crystal clear blue waters and snow white sands.
After a well deserved sleep in these sheltered waters which was a refreshing change to clinging to our bunk racks for dear life for the past few days, the ship rose to another banger of a morale tune “sung” by Blue Watch. Brekkie was fun after the early morning activity to get us all up and moving. We held another round of competitive not-competitive rope races which culminated in smashed eggs on deck and the mummification of said egg smashers.
Roast lamb for lunch was prepped by the staffies in the absence of our culinary wizard Steve. Once cleaned up, we took the RHIB’s across to Captains Beach bordering HMAS Creswell which was a mind-blowingly beautiful little spot. Pretty much everyone had a dip in the drink and a roll in the sand and played some creative beach games run by our Suitability legends, Speedy Sam and Eggs.
A few hours at the beach made everyone ready to head back home and attack a teak deck barbeque, devouring cheese platters, steaks, sangas, and salads. With our full stomachs, us youthies initiated the highly anticipated elections for our command day roles. Which will commence sometime around midday tomorrow. We held a vote for each available role that all willing youthies put themselves forward for.
The following roles were voted as follows: Captain – Warwick, Sailmaster – Hugh, Navigator – Ruscoe, Officer of the Watch – Dan, Watch Leader – Nick, Ben, Bridget, Master chef – Emily, Mackenzie, Alyshia
We were greeted after our elections by a low flying anti-submarine MH60-Romeo Helicopter which did a cool fly around our ship. *Thanks Squizz!!* And then watched an amazing film about the rounding of Cape Horn back in 1929 on a 7 story tall sail ship.
Signing off from our anchor watch, Ben and Giles.
“I believe that positive energy and optimism help us to take up any challenge in life and to succeed in even the most difficult tasks. I also believe that positive energy is contagious: We can transmit it to others”


After a rather nonchalant guts watch with the Bluies, Reddies came in guns a blazing, setting our beautiful square sails preparing us for a speedy and eventful day at sea. Scaling (laying aloft) the Foremast, whilst the ship swayed kept the Reddies on their toes, holding on for dear life as they let out the gaskets for the Topgallant and Topsail Yards. A challenging activity to start off our day rewarded with a beautiful sunrise over Starboard.
During the day we participated in a Meteorology Brief led by our resident Nav guru TOMO, learning everything there is about fluffy, rainy and stormy clouds. This was followed by Lunch and a needed Siesta.
Whilst some slumbered, Bluies kept watch. They had brave volunteers to climb both main mast and to the topgallant yard to sea furl the sails.
In the afternoon, our Watches came together to have Mid Voyage Chats, where we had the opportunity to reflect on our voyage goals, experiences and discuss our hopes for Command Day. There were some very heartfelt talks, from overcoming fears, to gaining confidence in working as a team, and we set our eyes upon what we want to achieve in the rest of the voyage.
The first dog (Reddies) (from 1545 to 1745) was full of excitement, with over 50kn winds and up to 50 degrees on the OOOH AAAH meter (heel). Watching the waves break higher than the rails was an exhilarating experience and kept us holding on tight. Sites of sharks and a Cargo ship kept our lookouts entertained, while Callum lead an engaging activity on Charts. At the end of the first dog watch, Nick and Phil braved these treacherous conditions to lay aloft on the mainmast to wrangle the mainsail!
Rockin and rolling, Youthies (the newest salty sea dogs) Hugh, Bridget, and Nick!!