TASMAN SEA

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight the ship remained underway sailing north paralleling the NSW central coast 30 miles to seaward. During the night each watch conducted an unfamiliar team orientated task without instruction in a limited time; needless to say each of the watches acquitted themselves well and explored various methods of communication, leadership and teamwork.Wakey wakey at 0700 saw the on watch Youth Crew perform a stirring tune to arouse all onboard for a hearty breakfast, all hands were then again back on the upper deck with vigour for the morning brief.During the day the watches continued deck and sail work in fresh conditions with 14 knot NW winds and a 1.0 metre swell. Collectively they are displaying magnificent determination and applying themselves to all tasks with vigour. Rope races round four required extra special dexterity and coordination on the deck as each watch were determined to be the first to locate the nominated upper deck items.After rope races had concluded the ship was called to taking stations in order to conduct demonstrational tacks. This enabled each watch the opportunity to stand on the bridge and observe the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked through the wind. These set of tacks consolidated the sail theory and practical deck work instruction gained over the previous six days.With the completion of dinner the intention is to remain at sea overnight shaping a course for Port Stephens and an anchorage in Nelson Bay.Until tomorrow evening, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Damien