Login
Captain's Log
V 07/17
30 March 2017
Jervis Bay to Sea
Sail Master Kyle woke the crew at 0630 and we came up to find a dry deck and fine weather, a pleasant change from yesterday. Kyle ran a quick game of ‘Knights, Mounts and Cavaliers’ before we headed off for another of Marcos’ delicious breakfasts.Morning brief was followed by the happiest time of the day, ‘Happy Hour’. Watch Officer Marty gave the crew a nautical rule of the road brief which was followed by a brief from the Sail Master on setting the square sails.At 1230 we sailed away from our anchorage, set all our square sails, the Top Gallant, the Topsail and the Course, and commenced our passage to Broken Bay. During the Afternoon and Dog Watches I gave the Youthies a sail theory brief to each watch separately.It is intended to remain at sea overnight continuing our passage northwards.Until tomorrow.Yours aye, Captain Mike
Latitude/Longitude:
34 45.7' S / 151 08.7' E
Conditions:
Wind SW 20 Kn, Weather overcast with passing showers, Swell southerly 2.0 m, Temp 19 deg. C
You might also be interested in
Eden to Melbourne
16 January 2025
Day 2 – Strong winds and towering heights
Ahoy there readers of this fine journal. Day Two of our voyage was filled with action with the ship coming alive at 0630 for a snappy Early Morning Activity session on the upper deck. We rolled through breakfast and straight into a harness familiarisation brief, working aloft safety brief and a demonstration by our talented staffies on how to lay aloft. The Youth Crew were keen to get up the foremast to the T'Gallant before climbing down the other side. Impressively - every one of our Youth Crew overcame their fears and achieved this on their very first attempt. Well done!
The watches finished off their climbing and our talented Chefo, Kingy, cooked up a storm. With Masterchefs helping clean up the galley in good time we were back out on deck and the Navigator weighed anchor. We racetracked across beautiful Twofold Bay as our Watchleaders taught their watches how to set and furl the Main Staysail and the Fore Staysail in winds gusting to 35 knots. The deck safety rules really apply in situations like this as there can be quite a bit of weight on the working lines. Credit to the Watchleaders and the Youth Crew as we were able to set and furl these sails numerous times with each member of the crew having a chance to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Great result in challenging conditions.
The Navigator took over once again and we cruised the bay under engine power whilst dinner was served. Once cleaned up and packed away we were back out on deck to run through the setting and furling drills one more time before returning to anchor in the south of the bay by 2000. The Southerly Winds are howling out there and the BOM website is showing some pretty rough weather out there. So we will watch and wait for now.
Anchor watches overnight with the Youth Crew conducting rounds, being introduced to the bridge, and spending some time learning the basics of navigation.
A huge Day Two, lots of lessons learned, new skills introduced and smiles all round. Can't wait to build on this tomorrow!
Captain Leups Out +
Eden to Melbourne
15 January 2025
Day One – Welcome Aboard!
Ahoy there readers of this fine journal. Voyage 02/25 has kicked off with a bang with 24 Youth Crew joining this beautiful ship whilst alongside the Eden Multipurpose Jetty. The lovely people of Eden came to visit us yesterday at our open day with over 200 visitors talking all things Tallship and Youth Development. But a day alongside is a day wasted so we embarked our new crew and slipped lines at 1630. The smooth waters of TwoFold Bay beckoned, and we anchored within sight of the township.
It is a thrill to welcome new Youth Crew and their friends, families and loved ones onboard on Day One of a Voyage. My crew and I made some introductions. Sailmaster; Chucky, Navigator; Matty, Officer of the Watch; Karsen, A/OOW; Bec, Engineer; Dan, Chefo; Kingy, Blue Watchleader; Kyle, White Watchleader; Sara and Sean, Red Watchleader; Simon, VIP extraordinaire and wealth of knowledge; Charlie. What a cracking group of people to call your ship-mates. The Youthies are in for an experience.
It is easy to be enthusiastic about our program and our beautiful ship. She was a gift from the Queen of England after-all. I love the look of surprise on the Youthies faces when I tell them that this is in fact their ship - she was gifted to the Australian Government and People for the express purpose of delivering our World-Famous Youth Development Program. We are all here to facilitate their once in a lifetime adventure!
Tonight we went through a series of briefs to introduce concepts of; life at sea, communal living, routines, acceptable behaviour, the structure of the program itself and, of course, lots of pointers on how to get the most out of the next 10 days.
With a strong Southerly system rounding the Southwest corner of NSW it is our plan to hang around TwoFold Bay tomorrow. We will introduce climbing harnesses and working aloft procedures before challenging our new joiners to climb to the top of the mast. After a sailor's five on deck safety and setting and furling sails, we will weigh anchor and dance our way around the bay as we practise setting and furling our fore and aft sails. That weather looks a bit grim but our future is bright and our Youthies will sleep soundly tonight.
Family and friends - I'll see you here same time tomorrow for an update on our progress.
Captain Leups Out +
Sydney to Eden
15 January 2025
Day 10 – Arrival
As the sun sets on our first voyage of 2025 we reflect on the previous 10 days of triumphs and tribulations.
The Amazing Youth Crew were challenged in a multitude of ways but they persevered and succeeded. Captain Harry and his rag tag crew of youthies managed to make safe passage all the way from Jervis Bay to Eden on time and intact. Most importantly the crew maintained a strong culture of respect and empathy for their fellow shipmates even when the times got tough. This Youth Crew succeeded in "Being Kind" to each other at all times.
We fired the cannons and manned the yards to display to the parents, loved ones and friends on the wharf that we arrive with cleared weapons and all of our manpower in the rigging! It was smiles and photos all round as the tall tales started as Youthies tried to explain the amazing experience this adventure was.
As for the crew, the Staffies enjoyed a restful evening, reminiscing on the highlights of the voyage. Voyage 02/25 is just around the corner but we will showcase this beautiful ship to the people of Eden at 1600 on the 14th before we set sail.
Thanks Youth Crew and Staffies for an amazing voyage - it was the very best way to start a new year!
Captain Leups Out +
