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Ouch!
The Youth Crew Command Day ended this morning when the ship was sailed to an anchorage off Cairns at the appointed hour. They did an excellent job of sailing overnight and the little sleep they did squeeze in they did not stand in the way of ensuring they worked hard toward their goal. At 6:30am, just as the sun peeked over the horizon, I resumed Command from Brendan Twine. He was glowing with praise of his team’s fine performance. Straight afterwards we hit the showers and devoured breakfast: we had to get into Cairns to meet our guests for the day sail.At 9am we berthed in Cairns and our guests were 23 Aboriginal teenagers from the Gumba Gumba Elders group, some local sportswomen, Councillor Margaret Cochrane, representing Cairns City Council and Channel Ten news. We headed seaward for three hours while the YC, acting as hosts, showed the new sailors how to set and furl sails, pull on lines and steer the ship. We even had a climbing display to demonstrate the YC’s prowess at climbing aloft.At 1pm we returned and farewelled our guests. The last day of the Voyage, like the second one, is always extremely busy. Harbour furls, debriefs, concerts, signatures and packing are what we will achieve today. Tomorrow is our last day and we will berth at Trinity No. 3 at 1000, Thursday.Youth crew entry by Huw Ross 22 Brisbane, Command Day XO.Imagine this….waking up at 3.30am because some stranger has just poured water over your face, you hit your head on your bunk OUCH..you figure out you are on a night shift and you make your way to the upper deck, hitting your head on the tight stair case OUCH. You then make your way to the bridge and hit your knee on the helm OUCH..Could you imagine a better experience… I couldn’t and it turns out that the person who woke you up is not such a bad person after all and is actually a fellow friendly sailor and also you do get used to the bumps.Just a quick note on our Command Day..A great day was had by all, all the mission targets were completed including the record BAT performance to Fitzroy Island. We arrived at our destination hungry, tired but alive with our spirits high.For future youth crew prepare for a plethora of extravaganzas, also handy hint ��� tune up your UNO skills…..On a personal note I would like to send my love and thoughts to Megan Balchin a truly amazing person…..Thankyou….Huw Ross..Youth crew member Marita Hurford 19 Melbourne.Hi mum (and dad), this is for you. Well this voyage has been possibly one of the best experiences I ever had. It hasn’t all been easy but the end result is worth it. Climbing aloft, working the sails, tacking, command day and dish pigging have become part of our daily routines. These moments are ones that will be forever etched in my mind along with the sweet victory of our BAT team last night on Fitzroy Island. Our crew consisted of Kath, Dennis, Dave and myself who with no doubt blitzed the BAT record leaving nothing but a trail of tourists behind.Command day proved to be a success, however wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of all crewmembers. Every crewmember had something different to offer the team, and with everyone’s motivation and support we reached our destination safely.As our voyage is now drawing to a close it gives us the opportunity to reflect on what we have learnt and just how far we have come. Many goals have been reached and many more have been set. Personally the challenges set before me throughout this voyage have encouraged and motivated me on many levels, leaving me with skills and knowledge to take away knowing the sky is the limit.My fellow crew and staff have been amazing throughout the voyage and living within such small quarters has formed many strong friendships. As we leave our ship in the morning I will take many fond memories and well-learnt lessons with me and I’m sure others will also.Mum and Dad, I’ll see you soon. Marita.Stay tunedAndrew Davis
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
CO's LOG Wednesday 16 May 01Current situation at 1800: At anchor False Cape, Cairns. Wind Sou'easterly at 15 knots. Temp 26C.
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