On to the Open Ocean

Situation at 20:00-As the Youth Crew experienced their first watch-on-deck overnight, they found themselves climbing aloft to the T’Gallant and Topsail yards, practising casting loose and securing the gaskets. Back on deck they were given instruction in knots, bends and hitches. This will prove valuable throughout the voyage. At 06:30 all hands were piped on deck for early morning activity. This started off with a light jog around the upper deck andwas followed by some activities designed to help learn each other’s name and home town. Showers and breakfast followed. At 08:00 weweighed anchor and proceeded Southwards across Port Philip Bay towards the open ocean. At 08:30 all hands mustered for the first morning brief of the voyage. XO Chook went through the plan of the day and was followed by Chef Polly and Engineer Rags who each described the do’s and don’ts of their respective parts-of-ship. Next to appear was Salty Sea Dog Lukish. He regaled the Youth Crew with an explanation of the nautical origins of an everyday saying. He has putout a challenge to the Youth Crew to find a saying or phrase that he is unable to explain. No doubt we are in for some very imaginative sessions with the Salty Sea Dog. Once morning brief was over, all hands turned to at happy hour. XO Chook inspected each space and ensured that they had been cleaned to his entire satisfaction. Aftera quick morning tea, the Youth Crew were introduced to ‘Captain Safety’. He carefully went through each piece of safety equipementonboard and made sure that the Youth Crew were familiar with how and when they are used. Chef Polly had a full house for lunch, which as always was outstanding. Next on the schedule was line handling and deck safety.Under the guidance of the Watch Leaders, each watch was instructed how to correctly handle the various different lines used onboard YOUNG ENDEAVOUR. This is an important lecture because inattention orincorrect line handling can result in an accident happening in a blink of an eye. Once the Ship had cleared Port Philip Bay, Captain John delivered his talk on sailing theory. This will form the foundation of the skills the Youth Crew will develop in order to take charge of the Ship for command day next week. This lecture involved some interactive participation from the Youth Crew. Setting and furling drills provided a chance for the Youth Crew to put intopractise what they had learned in theory. Before long there were sails being set and furled from stem to stern, and some unusedmuscles were getting a good work out. The last activity of the day was tacking drills. It will likely become necessary to tack the Ship tonight and it is important that the Youth Crew know where they are supposed to be and what is expected of them. It was a very tired group of people that Captain John spoke to at the end of the day’s activities. They have had a very full day and worked very hard to absorp the million bits of information thrown at them. They are already starting to develop a good sense of teamwork and cooperation. They have impressed the Staff Crew with their enthusiasm and motivation. Overnight the Watches will learn how to act as helmsman and lookout. They will also be shown how tocomplete rounds below decks. The head winds we are encountering will necessitate motor-sailing through the night, but we are hoping for a Southerly change to bring winds abaft the beam in the next few days.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Ship has a suite of thirteen sails to choose from. A maximum of eleven can be carried at one time,in ideal conditions. The sails are made from Dacron, a modern sail cloth that is stronger and lighter than canvas. The choice of sailsrange from the drifter, used for light airs , to the main trisail, used to replace the main in storm conditions.Gasket- A short length of line used to secure a furled sail to a yard or mast. Mainsail- The largest fore-and-aft sail onboard a vessel. Also called the Spanker. The mainsail is carried from the main mast.Thought of the Day: Although generalizations are dangerous, I venture to say that at the bottom of most fears, both mild and severe, will be found an overactive mind an an underactive body. Hence, I have advised many people, in their quest for happiness, to use their heads less and their arms and legs more….in useful work or play. We generate fears while we sit, we overcome them in action.Fear is nature’s warning signal to get busy. Dr Henry Link. Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RAN