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Captain's Log
1 June 2008
Storm Bay
Ahoy Shipmates,This morning saw everybody awake and on deck at 0630 for some early morning games followed by a normal hearty YOUNG ENDEAVOUR breakfast. Following morning brief and the ceremony of Colours (raise flags and sing National Anthem), the Youth Crew tackled their first happy hour (cleaning stations) with great enthusiasm and before long the ship was sparkling (shipshape). We then weighed anchor and departed Sandy Bay and proceeded down the Derwent River and out into Storm Bay. The rest of the morning was spent setting and furling sails and learning the intricacies of tall ship sailing. By early afternoon Storm Bay was living up to its reputation with the wind strengthening from the southwest. By late afternoon we were experiencing wind gusts of up to 45kts and a 2m swell. Storm sails were quickly set and the training program suspended for a few hours until we safely passed soth of Tasman Island and altered course to the northeast and commenced our passage up the East Coast of Tasmania. At the moment the winds are beginning to moderate and we are just about to set the Topsail (middle square sail) and hand-in our storm sails. If these conditions continue we should have a relatively comfortable nights sail and should reach our first anchorage position in Wineglass Bay sometime early tomorrow morning. All Youth Crew have now settled into Watches for the night and are experiencing some interesting sailing. Yours Aye,Captain Gav
Latitude/Longitude:
42° 52' South / 148° 15' East
Conditions:
Currently experiencing wind from the southwest at 20kts with a 2m following swell
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V08/23
21 April 2023
Day 11– Fare thee well shipmates
Well ladies and gentlemen, and gentle people, today is the final day of V08/23 and woooo-hoooo! what a fantastic voyage it’s been. We’ve had some great sailing, some great anchorages and some great experiences. If Youth Crew leave us today with just one thing they’ve learnt about themselves, then I’m a happy Captain. But I’ll put money on the fact that they’ve learnt a bunch.
Anyway, Youth Crew did one final happy hour this morning and then laid aloft as we weighed anchor from our Rose Bay anchorage. We then proceeded to sail through the most beautiful harbour in the world, before announcing our arrival by firing off a couple of shots from our cannon. With cannon bores clear and gun crews manning the yards, we signified our intention for a peaceful visit.
All fast alongside HMAS Waterhen at 1000, friends and family were invited onboard for a look around before we said our final farewells. I’ve had a fantastic voyage and I know my staff did too. Thanks to the persistence, resilience and adaptability of the youthies, because they are the ones who made it a success. Well done everyone!
Special thanks must also go to my amazing staff crew who did a sterling job throughout. Well, that’s it from me but like I said to the gang today, you may be leaving Young Endeavour but Young Endeavour will never leave you. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Yours Aye, Captain Adam Charlie Farley+
V08/23
20 April 2023
Day 10 – The Sydney penultimatum
Ahoy there dear readers, the penultimate day of V08/23 commenced at anchor in Watsons Bay, Sydney, amid increased winds and a little drizzle.
Colours ceremony took place at 0800, followed by morning brief. Happy hour was next then, ashore to explore... Youth Crew were ferried to Watsons Bay wharf where they went for a stroll around the area including up to the cliffs of 'The Gap' and it's surrounds. Of course they found a coffee shop and stocked up with assorted beverages for their return trip.
Ash had lunch ready on their return, after which a wee siesta was necessary. We then weighed anchor and proceeded for a harbour cruise, as youthies climbed the masts and set a couple of sails, then under the bridge we went. We hooked a u-turn and passed under the coat hanger once more, then past the nuns in a scrum... deja vu much?
Anyway, Rose Bay was our destination and so we made a bee line and came to anchor to the east of Shark Island, with the most spectacular Sydney view to the west. Passing showers continued during the late afternoon and into the evening but that didn't dampen the crust on Ash's pizzas... no-no-no. They were crispy and saucy and tasty - bellisimo shipmates.
Then a final recapping of the voyage in the form of a photographic slide show, and in song as Youthies Alice and Hamish played guitar and sang an original piece, inspired by the voyage. It was gorgeous, melodic and very memorable, dear readers, and don't be surprised if you see those names in lights very soon!
Well, that’s that. This is the final night onboard YE for V08/23. 10 Days ago 24 youth crew from places various, came together to sail this vessel, have fun and challenge themselves. They have not only done that, but have faced and overcome fears and learnt a lot about themselves and each other along the way.
Tomorrow they will leave with new skills, improved persistence, resilience and adaptability, as well as generally knowing they are more capable than what they probably thought. And of course, having made great new friends - most probably, friends for life.
It never gets old for us staff members, as we truly love our work.
Yours Aye, Captain Adam Charlie Farley+
V08/23
19 April 2023
Day 9 – Command Day part 2 (Ahoy Sydney Harbour!)
A good Wednesday to everybody! Felisha here. I'm writing from the bridge, to the reminiscent strains of Moana from the nearby disco dance floor... 'nuff' said. The wind has certainly been in our proverbial sails today, as we completed our "Command Day" passing the expectations of a few, and liberating the inner workhorses of all. We now sit at anchor in a peaceful Sydney Harbour, and will remain here tonight, giving all a good chance to catch up on much needed sleep after a challenging twenty-four hours. We accomplished everything on the task list given us, and were successful in all areas of expertise - sail handling, navigation, polishing the decks, and cooking exceptional food including three flavours of pancakes for breakfast this morning. We were given the double thumbs up from all members of the Staff Crew; so congratulations youth crew of VO8/23!
We handed back the ship to our real captain - Captain Adam Charley Farley - who gladly excepted back the ships' keys and the ceremonial hat and telescope. The pool was then opened, after some safety briefs, and a demo from our 'Nav', and everyone had a chance to show off their moves on the rope swing, and giant lily pad. Lunch interrupted the fun, but was certainly not to be missed with a great variety of delicious food from our very own Cheffo, Ash. We then moved into some very worthwhile discussions on the take-away points of "Command Day", coming away with a greater appreciation for each other, the importance of teamwork and communication, and possibly a greater respect for those in positions of leadership - all great skills and lessons to take with us as we re-enter our usual lives shortly.
After a brief time of relaxation, we enjoyed fresh bickies from Hoppy and Ash, and proceeded up the rat-lines to conduct harbour furls (packing the sails under UV protectant material in concertina folds, to both look presentable, and to protect it from sun damage). By the time we were finished with this project, the sun had set over the picturesque Sydney skyline, and Ash's wonderful dinner was waiting.
After dinner, we rocked out to some of our favourite tunes sponsored by the staffies especially the untirable DJ Shaun, and the shuffle dance king of the night - Hutchy! There is no swell this evening, but the soundwaves certainly took their toll, as happy disco-goers have now retired to their racks to get some shut-eye before tomorrow. We send our love to family and friends, and look forward to recounting our epic tales once we've returned home.
