PORT PHILLIP BAY

Ahoy there everyone,Overnight Young Endeavour continued sailing north west along the south eastern Victorian coast with all fore and aft sails set and a fickle following wind. At sunrise the ship was abeam Phillip Island, making good four knots. The morning brief was conducted with vigour quickly followed by cleaning stations aka happy hour as the ship closed Point Nepean at the opening to Port Phillip Bay. Under near perfect conditions the Youth Crew manned the sides as we entered the treacherous waters of The Rip observing abundant wildlife in the form of seals and dolphins.Once through the rip and into the sheltered bay, the Youth Crew experienced a feeling that was almost foreign to them, that was of flat calm water. As the ship transited along the channel I assessed Captains setting and furling drills, these drills are designed to evaluate each watch in their ability to safely set and furl sails without compromising their own or the team’s safety in preparation for Command Day. It was with great satisfaction that each watch successfully completed setting and furling the designated sails, displaying high standards of teamwork, communication, knowledge, leadership and safety.Next on the busy programme were demonstrational tacks where each watch in turn stood on the bridge and watched the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked through the wind. These tacks consolidated the sail theory and practical deck work instruction gained over the previous seven days. On completion of demonstrational tacks all sails were handed in as the ship proceeded to anchor adjacent to the Mornington Jetty on the south eastern corner of Port Phillip Bay at 1530. Once the ship was safely at anchor it was time for the Youth Crew to elect their Command Team, results now known, the Young Endeavour will be in the capable hands of Youth Captain Kirsty and her team as of 1300 tomorrow for the next 24 hours.After a magnificent BBQ on the upper decks culminating with a glorious sunset watched from aloft, a special movie night was screened under the stars, depicting a very similar young man who sailed around Cape Horn in 1929 on one of the last Tall Ship cargo vessels. Many similarities and comparisons could be drawn 80 years later with our own band of young adventurers.So after another very busy day, the Youth Crew have now settled into their anchor watches for the night, hopefully achieving a good night’s rest in anticipation and preparation for tomorrow’s commencement of Command Day.The intention is to remain at anchor overnight prior to weighing in the afternoon for the adventure and challenge that is Command Day in Young Endeavour.Until tomorrow evening when we will read the exploits of Youth Captain Kirsty and her team, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien