The Challenge Ahead

SITUATION AT 1900We are now sitting at anchor in Fingal Bay. This is about 25 miles north of Newcastle, and constitutes our second check point forthe voyage. It is from this snug little anchorage that our YC team will be departing under sail tomorrow at 0900. They have duallyelected their command team and are, as we speak, formulating their plan to get from here to Newcastle via a given number of way points.Today has been busy as usual for the YC. They found a slight variance this morning from the normal morning routine, and instead of heading from morning brief to ‘happy hour’, they were called upon to get straight into their final safety assessment prior to command day. They were put through their paces, setting and furling many of thesails aboard, in order to ensure that they could safely handle the rig before we let them loose tomorrow. They were all quite relieved at the end of the session to realise that they were now ready totackle the challenge that lies ahead.This afternoon was spent primarily in preparing themselves for the Command Day. They conducted elections and spent the rest of the afternoon/evening planning. Unfortunately, we had planned to goashore for a couple of hours in Fingal Bay, however our seaboat decided that it had other ideas. Being stuck on board however,offered other opportunities, with many YC taking the time to try their hand at some fishing, whilst others decided that they would just like to relax for a while. All in all a enjoyable yet challenging day.Youth Crew Entry Andrew Walker, age 20 of St George QLD, andSteven Woodward, age 18 of Cherrybrook, NSW:For 6 days we have been heaving, tugging, climbing, laughing and eating like animals. In that short time with limited sleep andspace we have made some awesome mates and had some cookey times. Sometimes we wonder about the mental stability of the crew andpraying it doesn’t rub off on us, but all in all everything is pretty cool. Shane has left us with some alternative, ethical and moral point of views that we will ponder for many years to come and Lisa has reminded us how lucky we are to be from the mainland. While us fellas are cruising the Pacific Ocean keeping everyone sane and pulling on the yards like you wouldn’t believe. Catch ya on the flip side..The Wood-Dog and the Black-Dog. Youth crew entry Robert Worne, age 21, of Campbelltown NSW:Hello All. Firstly Young Endeavour has been a great experience, its been hard, but also fun. It has been an opportunity to experience a new and challenging situation. Personally I have gained much. Prior to departure I set myself a number of goals. Some I have achieved, some I haven’t. For me the experience of how I deal with my own frustrastions in pursuing these goals has been just as significant, if not more so, than with the successes I have achieved.It is easy to be discouraged by initial setbacks and frustrations, however, to give in to these is only to prevent long term success. In the end (even though the voyage is not over) I have gained a new perspective on how to deal with meeting the standards I set for myself in life.Finally, Mum and Dad have a great trip to Melbourne, Brendangood luck with your uni exams and John good luck with work and whatever else, I’ll ring you when I get back home.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Mariner Speak:Running is to sail with or before the wind (in the same direction as the wind). The sheets are eased as far as is practicable and the yards are squared (at right angles to the direction the ship is travelling).YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Thought for the Day:’A positive thinker does not refuse to recognise the negative, he refuses to dwell on it. Positive thinking is a form of thought which habitually looks for the best results from the worst conditions’- Norman Vincent PealeMore to follow,Paul BarrieActing Commanding Officer