The Youth Crew takes control

When I left you, the YC and Staff were headed to their bunks for a well earned rest. In true YOUNG ENDEAVOUR fashion, a decent sleep re-energised us all for another big day. We awoke at 0630 and set straight to work cleaning the upper decks with a rust scrub and wash down to clear away nine days of accumulated rust streaks and salt. After breakfast we then set too, below decks and soon the Ship regained her sparkle and we were ready to greet our guests for theHalf Day Sail.The Half Day Sail is the opportunity for the YC to show off what has now become ‘their ship’, to a group of Young Australians who might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in the YOUNG ENDEAVOUR experience. Today we received students from the Brewarrina Central School, who travelled over nine hours just to get here, aswell as some families and friends of the Staff Crew. A staff highlight was the arrival of Melissa, our exuberant chef Polly’s girlfriend, who had, without his knowledge, flown in from Great Britain after nine months away. Polly was naturally overjoyed, if a little shocked, to see her.The Half Day Sail commenced at 1000 and went until 1300, with the Ship proceeding to sea and setting sail into a stiff southerly breeze. While Polly ensured everyone had plenty to eat and drink, the YC were busy setting sails, conducting tours of the Ship, taking some of our guests to the bowsprit and they even raided the staff costume collection and performed a skit (Thanks Blackie, for the Steve Irwin impersonation). A good time was had by all.On completion of the Half Day Sail, the YC had their final instalment of Rope Races, followed by a session aloft, Harbour Furling the square sails. This is a major evolution which protects our square sails from damage by the ultra violet rays of the sun. Following the Harbour Furls, the YC conducted their end of voyage debrief, before having dinner and completing the Post Voyage Questionnaire. Even now as I write many of the YC are still on deck, swapping contact details, and already reminiscing about the last nine days and their unique experiences.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Mariner Speak:To furl a sail is to make it fast to a stay, yard or mast. This is aneat way of stowing the sail while it is not in use, and assists inpreventing excessive chafing and wear of the sails.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Thought of the Day:‘Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs,even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poorspirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live inthe grey twilight that knows no victory nor defeat.’ – Theodore RooseveltMore to follow,Paul BarrieActing Commanding Officer