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Captain's Log
24 September 2011
Swinging from the yardarm
Hi Shipmates, Having had a good nights sail the wind sadly deserted us at about 0800 this morning leaving us becalmed. Reluctantly I started our engine and motored the final few miles to our anchorage in Hervey Bay. But what a day it has been! We have been surrounded by hump back whales, dolphins and nearly bumped into a turtle. The YC all went ashore for a play on the beach and have a swim in the crystal clear waters that this bay is famous for. The fun was not over yet though because once back onboard the rope swing had been set and soon enough the pool was opened and the YC were literally swinging from the yard arm. There were some spectacular entries. The Teak Deck BBQ was also flashed up and as the sun set we all ate a delicious meal cooked by Joel and JB with cameos by Carly and yours truly. Then the fun started as we were not only entertained but educated during the YC ‘Three Way Talks’ where we learnt a little more about each other. We will remain at anchor tonight and get underway in the morning with another action packed YE day planned. Here are some words from Gemma… Hi mum! I miss you a lot and I hope your flight home from Gladstone was safe and stress free! Having a great time so far and I’m looking forward to telling you all my stories. Say hi to Chris for me xo That’s it for this evening and I’m hoping the Wallabies recover well having taken a few knocks in the game yesterday. Captain Gunna Carpe’ diem
Latitude/Longitude:
24° 50' South / 153° 9' East
Conditions:
At anchor Hervey Bay.Wind NE / 5-10 kts
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The day started off with everyone conducting overnight watches. Despite this being a routine task, we were met with a surprise leadership challenge. Our challenge was to find, set and furl the storm jib (which we had never seen or heard of before) without any assistance from the staffies. This tested our ability to work productively and communicate efficiently within our watch groups under stress. We all completed this activity successfully within around 1 to 2 hours. Afterwards, we spent some time to debrief and discuss how we can improve teamwork within our watches, as we all reflected on how we could each work to create a stronger team.
As the day progressed, all watches utilised their newly found skills to undergo "Captain's setting and furling". This entailed setting and furling the fore staysail and main staysail while Captain Adam Charlie Farley and a few other staffies assessed our safety without our watch leaders' guidance. All watches passed successfully, leaving the Captain very satisfied that we would be able to safely handle the sails on Command Day. Some of us saw a pod of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus Dolphus) swimming along the side of the boat, with a very cute infant dolphin beside them. After anchoring in the beautiful Broken Bay, we settled into a delicious lunch of Ham & Cheese toasties, Satay Chicken, or Sweet and Sour Pork made by the incredible Steve; followed by a much needed siesta.
Of course we had to take advantage of the sunny weather, so we enjoyed a refreshing swim at the beach with a game of dodgeball and tug of war (won by Blue Watch). We then had our mid-voyage chats with our watch leaders, reflecting on our goals which we set at the start of our voyage, and set some new ones to ensure we make the most out of the busy days ahead.
Just when we thought our day couldn't get better, we were treated with a BBQ and salad on deck for dinner and an impromptu dance party at midships. This was followed by another round of rope races (Dan is the man!!), where different items had to be located around the ship. An intense bonus round of racing Fenders (taken out by white watch) was undertaken, which got very competitive very quickly.
As the day concluded and the sun began to set, many of the youthies were able to enjoy the setting sky from the Foremast yards while taking up the square sails, while others enjoyed the view from the Main Mast or Bowsprit. Whilst this occured, some of us also were able to listen to one of our expert navigators on board, Leups, who taught and consolidated navigation techniques needed for command day and the best ways we can improve our navigation going forward.
Tonight, after a fantastic day, the youthies will be completing 1-hour anchor watches while also solving a navigation challenge during this time.
We can't wait for another busy and exciting day tomorrow!
Ava and Ruby, out!
Shoutouts:
Hey Mum, Dad and Zane! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the quiet household, I miss you guys so much. I am having so much fun and have had the most amazing experiences with the most amazing people (and yes Dad, I actually got to the top of the mast); I can't wait to tell you all about it when I get home. I love you guys so much! xx
Happy Birthday Kai! I hope you have an amazing day and enjoy being an official adult, I can't wait to see you. - Ava
Hey Dad! I hope you are remembering to be super rad. I miss you lots but I am having an incredible time on the ship! Some of the stuff you taught me has actually helped (sorry for not paying attention earlier). I have seen so many incredible things and hung out with some great people, so I can't wait to tell you all about it. I love you so much x - Ruby
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All watches had a great night of sea watches, after leaving anchor yesterday. We were kept busy with climbing, sail handling, steering the ship and keeping a good lookout. The day started with the youthies having their morning brief with the Sailmaster swiftly followed by tacking stations where each watch worked together to switch which side the sails were on. This was then followed by 'happy hour' as the youthies went back to cleaning stations. The rest of the morning consisted of the youthies learning sail theory with Captain Adam. We learned how the sails worked, the points of sail and when we should use which sails.
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Shoutouts:
Hi Mum, Dad, and Lincoln. I just wanted to say that I am having a lot of fun on the Young Endeavour and I cant wait to get back home and tell you all about it. Love Harrison.
Hi Mum and Dad, definitely having much more of a better time then I expected and am always keeping myself busy, hope Bear is doing well and same with you too, and you guys were definitely right, seasickness is very real. Love Liam.
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Hoisting of the flags or 'Colours' was conducted 0800. White watch was tasked with raising the flags and ringing the bells prior to a rendition of the national anthem.
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Damien and Scarlett.
- Hey Mum, dad, Alex, Darcy and Harrson. I'm having a great time out here! Loving every second of it. We've been doing lots of stuff and I am missing you all so much. Time has been moving so fast, I can't believe that It's already day 4! I love you all and please say hello to the pets from me. - Damien
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