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Rendezvous with Endeavour
After a balmy night at anchor when Command Day elections where held, a glorious day dawned. After Happy Hour, Brasso Day and a wash down, the youth crew laid aloft to ungasket all squares and the main in preparation for a memorable day of sailing.The replica HM Bark Endeavour departed Mooloolaba Harbour at midday and soon after the brigantine Young Endeavour weighed anchor and made rendezvous with her as she passed through the harbour entrance. The two tall ships then made a majestic departure accompanied by a throng of spectator craft. The sight of two square rigged sailing ships was a sight to behold as the two ships danced around each other in light winds, exchanging the odd greeting and the occasional volley of cannon fire (blank of course) as the ships came within 50 metres of each other.The Youth Crew did an absolutely sterling job of setting all sails in short order and tacking and wearing ship over ten times within an hour. Great job guys – well done.A farewell was signalled to Endeavour and the two ships parted ��� Young Endeavour departing the area at speed in strengthening easterlies and Endeavour making ground south to Byron Bay. Hopefully we will meet again next voyage.What a way to start Command Day. Now the real fun started. At 1400 I handed Command of Young Endeavour to Andrew Foster, 24, of Maitland. The ship was hove to and the Youth Crew quickly and expertly re-set the sails and got underway to meet their first objective – investigating Volcanic activity to the east. The light northerly winds will assist in making good progress and they are displaying very good teamwork skills which will ensure they have a great Command Day and most importantly, fun.Speak tomorrowAndrew Davis
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Current situation at 1800: At sea off Mooloolaba, Course 050, Speed 2, sailing - all sails set, Temp 16, Wind north, 8 knots.
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Day 2 found the ship tucked away nice and snug in the lee of the lovely, Mud Island in Moreton Bay. Hands were called at 0630 and the youth crew's presence was kindly requested topside for a bit of move and shake, for our first early morning activity. Then it was away to wash and eat before morning brief took place on the bridge after the formalities of our Colours ceremony at 0800. Dion hatched the plan for the day and then Theresa (our lifesaving and safety equipment expert) took charge for a collective closer look at said lifesaving equipment. Whilst that was happening, remaining staff weighed anchor under a gorgeous blue and sun drenched day and we commenced our pilotage out of Moreton Bay - with Emma the Navigator as our trusty Pilot. Once Theresa had completed her briefing, youth crew turned-to cleaning stations, or as we call it, "happy hour". Whales, turtles and dolphins frolicked as we sailed past them and then out into the Coral Sea we went. A large cargo ship tooted their horn, 'adieu', and we responded in kind. All the while our sea puppies set and furled the sails, had a wee break for lunch, then continued with same all afternoon. Finally, when watch leaders gave me the nod, I gave Dion a wink and he called the ship to tacking stations. Ladies and gents, boys and girls, it was with almost mechanical precision that this youth crew of ours, performed their duties in a well oiled fashion, and they did tack this ship, back and forth, several times to drill and practice the required actions to manouevre this beautiful ship through the wind. I was well impressed. Bravo I said, then Dion stood them down for half an hour. Dinner was taken at 1715, then the youth crew turned-to sea watches, to assist with navigational safety overnight, whilst the others slept soundly. Each watch would take a four hour trick to follow the navigation plan by helm, keep lookout duties and conduct hourly rounds throughout the night. Additionally they would consolidate sail handling and climbing procedures. If they didn't know, now they know - This here is a working ship and we have no passengers embarked. Captain Adam Charlie Farley+
