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Captain's Log
24 July 2001
Mutiny Caused by Dolphins!
Last night we entered Shark Bay which, with head winds, limited room to manoeuvre and numerous vessels in the area, meant we motored overnight. We came to anchor at 0830 this morning and, after some minor fuel problems with the ship’s boat, got everyone ashore to the Francois Peron National Park to learn all about the local marine fauna, especially the dolphins the area is world famous for.Afterwards mid-voyage talks were held by watchleaders with their watches to review progress so far and goals for the remainder of the voyage.Tonight we will remain at anchor then tomorrow we will get underway once more and continue south for a two-day passage to the Abrolhos Island Group.Yours AyeCap’n Bob.Youth Crew entry by Daniel O’Doherty aged 16 from Traralgon, Victoria.Mutiny caused by Dolphins… !So far this voyage has been unbelievable, we are now anchored in the smooth blue waters of Shark Bay. There are dolphins everywhere (there is one swimming beside the boat now) and the weather is brilliant. Up until now from the time we departed Broome it has been great sailing and I’m having the best time ��� I can’t believe we’re nearly half way through the voyage. If I had it my way I would take charge as the captain and stay here forever.The best bits so far would be climbing the mast in big head seas (it was like being on a rollercoaster), Dion and Don catching the 35kg Tuna, stopping at Serrurier Island which had white sand, reefs, warm water and lots of sun, and today we relaxed on land and raided the shops. Other great things we get to do are, see the sunset and rise, and some mornings my watch (white watch) have to get up at 2345 and keep an eye on the ship until 0345 which is not as bad as it seems. It’s so rewarding to be able to sail a tall ship that’s 44 metres long and I’m looking forward to Command Day where all the Youth Crew take over the ship for 24 hours.Every day brings new challenges and every day is completely different from the last, tomorrow we are heading out of Shark Bay and back on our way down the coast.Hi to everyone back home ��� Mum, Dad, and family a huge hello to Patrick (I brought a hand line today Dad and I’m going to catch a bigger fish than Don)
Latitude/Longitude:
25° 46' South / 113° 42'
Conditions:
CO's Log 24 July 2001Situation at 1800 Tuesday 24 July 2001: At anchor off Monkey Mia, Shark Bay Conditions: wind SE 12 knots, clear skies, temp 23 degrees.
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V03/23
07 February 2023
Day 10 – Final Night
Hi Everyone, Welcome to Day 10 and the final night of our voyage. Following a peaceful night at anchor the Youth Crew woke to an overcast morning in Port Arthur. Originally we had plans to depart our anchorage early but a leaking grey water pipe required an emergency repair by our engineers, so we delayed our departure and completed harbour furls of the squares (very neat furls) instead. With repairs and harbour furls complete we departed our anchorage and then battled strong head winds and an ugly 2-3m swell in Storm Bay to final make it to the calmer waters of the Derwent River where we came to anchor just off the Hobart Casino at 1920 tonight. Once it gets dark later this evening we will screen a slideshow of memorable moments experienced throughout the voyage then complete our end of voyage admin before settling into anchor watches overnight for the final time for the voyage. That’s enough from me I will now handover to Anna, Kate and Allie who will give you a full run-down of our action packed day. Until tomorrow, take care Yours Aye Captain GavArgh! Ahoy there. This morning the peaceful sleep of the Youth Crew was rudely disrupted by Imagine Dragon’s ‘On Top of The World’, and with great reluctance, we dragged ourselves upstairs to the beautiful view of Port Arthur where we had anchored the night before. To wake everyone up a game of ‘Moose’ was played, which ended chaotically (some of us still in our sleeping bags). After another delicious breakfast involving quadruple-tiered sandwiches and a 15 minute wait for the toaster, the Youthies were ready for morning brief. Liv enthralled us for 10 minutes with a joke that could have lasted for two, featuring Bob the Loser and a pod of bloodthirsty porpoises. Following brief, we split into watches and discussed our end-of-voyage goals and takeaways. We all agreed that this voyage has encouraged us to take every opportunity we could get our hands on, and has resulted in personal growth all round. If you’re reading this and thinking of applying for a voyage, do it! We promise you won’t regret it. Youth Crew were then tasked with the job of harbour furls, which required every Youthie to climb aloft and spread out across the three yards of the foremast – Reddies on the top gallant, Whiteys on the topsail, and Blueys on the course. In raging 18 knot winds, we struggled to fold the sails up into the UV covers whilst holding on for dear life using nothing but the yard and a footrope. Fortunately no one fell off, our biggest accomplishment. All sails were folded successfully, with Blueys doing exceptionally well on the course, earning Chucky’s praise. To determine once and for all the best watch (although it goes without saying Blueys are superior, no biases here), Shaun hosted a round of Zooper Dooper races. The chaos that ensued is indescribable, each watch competing to eat their icy poles the fastest. Brain freeze was inevitable. Unfortunately, Red watch came in first place, with White watch only seconds behind. Blue watch came third, but technically that’s still on the podium. Finally it was free time, with some Youthies heading to bed for a well-deserved rest while the others joined Reddies on their watch, where they jammed out to some music and rode the waves, joined by dolphins. It was hard work though, with the youthies putting up two sails, fighting against the wind. However it was a highlight in everyone’s day when a huge wave came over the bow and absolutely drenched Evan. Pizza night! It was something everyone was looking forward to and Haydo did not disappoint. With six different types of homemade pizzas (nearly 200 slices), we were spoilt once again. As we sailed into Hobart, Blueys took over watch – many of us finishing up bucket list goals we always wanted to do, such as climbing the 33m main mast and taking a selfie on the bowsprit. We were graced with dolphins several times throughout the evening until we finally arrived in Sandy Bay, Hobart, where we will be spending the night at peaceful anchor. Shoutout to the Green family parentals and siblings. I’m a little green and red but having a blast. Can’t wait to see you all soon. Miss you. Love Allie. Shoutout to the Mulcahy family – Mum, Dad, Owen and Lukey. Hope you haven’t killed my fish and plants. See you tomorrow. Love Anna Hey Clarkes – you better be reading these! Miss you and love you all loads – Dad, hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow! Let Grandpa know I didn’t get seasick, he was right. Love Katelyn Signing off for now, Anna, Kate and Allie, proud members of the best watch, Blue Watch.
V03/23
06 February 2023
Day 9 – Command Day Part 2
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V03/23
05 February 2023
Day 8 – Command Day Part 1
Hi Everyone, Welcome to Day 8 of our voyage and Command Day. Thankfully the weather improved overnight and a well rested Youth Crew awoke to a beautiful Tasmanian morning with clear skies. Following Morning Brief I conducted Captain Setting and Furling Drills which is our final activity leading up to the Youth Crew taking command of the ship and I am pleased to announce that all watches passed with flying colours. Once completed, the Youth Crew Command Team were given 30 minutes with the Staff Crew so that they could ask questions that may assist them in their elected positions throughout their Command period. Once finished we rigged the rope swing and gave everyone a chance to have a swim in the cool (some would say cold) clear water of Prosser Bay. At 1300 this afternoon we all gather at midships and I handed over the Command Day instructions and the ‘telescope of challenge’ to Youth Crew Captain Paige which officially commenced the exciting 24hr Command Day period. One of the many tasks for Command Day is the writing of the Captains Log so here is tonight’s edition written by Captain Paige. Until tomorrow, take care. Captain GavHello all, Today’s events were very exciting for all youth crew, as today is the day the staff hand over the ship and let the youthies take control. The day for us youthies started by the staff woke us all up to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marring Aye and Timmi Terrell through the main broad cast. We then had a scrumptious breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, cereal, yogurt and toast. Which was provided to us by the amazing Haydo and the master chef’s Tiff, Jasper and Jack. Breakfast was followed by morning brief where we are informed of the weather conditions, the Captain always provides us with an inspirational daily quote, and what the daily plan is going to look like. Once morning brief was wrapped up red and white watch performed happy hour while blue watch performed the Captains setting and furling. This allows the staff crew to insure all the youthies are safe and capable to take command of the ship. Once all the watches rotated though performing the Captains setting and furling the elected youth crew sat down and conducted opposites which is where the staff command team discus with the youth crew the best way to go about performing the roles they are taking over for the 24 hour period. Since it was such a nice day the staff decided we do Swimex which is where staff and youth crew that are brave enough to conure the cold water temperatures of Tassie are allowed a short period of time to have some water fun this includes jumping off the rope swing, using the Lilly pad which is a large foam mat jumping off the side of the boat and the bow sprit. When the Swimex came of a close it was time for lunch which was pasta bake, Bolognese, lamb and Pork chops, cheese and garlic breads which were freshly made that morning by Haydo. Hand over to youth crew was conducted at 1300. During the 24hrs that the youth crew have control of the ship the staff go on holiday down stairs where they have access to a bowling alley, cinema, and Maddie opens the heated swimming pool along with other amazing facilities. Part of hand over the Captain, what given a sheet of 30 tasks that we need to perform as many as we can throughout the period of time we are given. The first task was to assemble a row boat team to row to shore to acquire the navigation instructions, other tasks includes creating a rope hammock that will support all the youth crew at once, Theresa’s knot tying challenge and many more exciting and challenging things. Once the navigator marked out waypoints we weighed anchor and set sail though Mercury Passage. We are now carrying out night watches and on our way to the next anchoring spot which is unknown as of the moment. Until the next log update Yours truly Captain Paige