Peculiar sailor’s terminology

Ahoy there shipmates,We awoke this morning, safe and secure in our Stockton Beach anchorage. Youthies were awoken by the velvet tones of Evan the Sailmaster on the main broadcast, and like coiled springs, they were straight up and on deck for a quick ‘Ice breaker’ Early Morning Activity (EMA) and then into showers and breakfast.The traditional Naval ceremony of Colours took place at 0800 and morning brief was conducted on completion, during which we met ‘Salty the Seadog’ for the first time. It is his job to explain the peculiar sailor’s terminology that we use onboard to our new crew members. After morning brief the youthies experienced their first ‘Happy Hour’, otherwise known as cleaning stations. At 0930 we had a visit from ‘Captain Safety’, Brendan, our resident Safety Equipment specialist who explained the use of our lifejackets, our thermal protective immersion suits and then took the crew on a tour of the upper decks showing them things like life rafts, EPIRBs and lifebuoy rings.At 1030 the Staff weighed anchor and we commenced our passage northwards to Broughton Island, where we will seek some shelter from the 2.5 m swells to enable us to conduct first climbs of the foremast. En route we had lunch and the crew practised the setting and furling of the fore staysail and main stay sail. We anchored in the lee of Broughton Island at 1530, by which time Sail Master Ev had given the harness and climbing brief and all of the youth crew were wearing their correctly adjusted climbing harnesses. We then cycled through the watches climbing to the top gallant yard and back down on deck, with the staff instructing them every step of the way.We had dinner at 1800 and then the Staff weighed anchor and we departed Broughton Island and re-commenced our passage northwards. Once clear of our anchorage we piped the Ship to Tacking Stations and then practised Tacking to ensure the crew are familiar with their positions and tasks when the Ships Tacks or Wears. This is essential in case the Ship needs to alter course at short notice during the night. It has been an action-packed day. I have to say that I was very proud of our new shipmates, and their willingness to have a go and push through their fears. It was a fantastic effort for everyone to get up to the top gallant yard.The Ship will remain at sea overnight and watch leaders will take their watches through helm, lookout and engineering rounds duties as well as more consolidation of their sail handling skills.Yours Aye,Captain Mike