This Beats Home

Situation at 20:00- Last night was spent quietly at anchor off Eden. The Youth Crew were able to recharge their batteries with a good night’s sleepafter a very bust first half of the voyage. Attempts to repair the Ship’s radar were unsuccessful, and it will now have to wait until our arrival in Sydney before the defect can be rectified. This willnecessitate a change in our plan to spend the next two nights at sea. It would not be prudent to sail overnight without the aid of a serviceable radar, therefore the decision has been taken to only sail during daylight hours. As we continue North towards Sydney, we will anchor at Batemans Bay, Jervis Bay and finally Hunters Bay just inside Sydney Heads. While this will mean more sleep for the Youth Crew, it is an unfortunate turn of events that was not foreseen. The overall effect on the youth development program will be minimal, and the Youth Crew will receive the full range of activities.At 05:45 the anchor watch piped a very musical wakey wakey which soon had all hands tumbling out of their bunks and heading tothe upperdeck for early morning activity. At 07:00 the anchor was aweigh and we shaped a course North towards Batemans Bay. Morningbrief saw Salty Sea Dog Lukish entertain us with still more explanations of the nautical origins of everyday sayings. EngineerRags did not let us down. His scran bag was nearly full and from the enthusiasm they showed when singing for their sins, you would almost believe the Youth Crew were leaving their gear skulking on purpose.Today was Brasso Day and XO Chook had a gleam in his eye almost as bright as the Ship’s Bell. Today’s Galley hands made a magnificant caramel slice for morning tea which had a very short life span. Attoday’s rope races, the reddies extended their lead even further. The other two watches are going to have to work hard if they hope to close the gap.The afternoon was taken up with setting and furling drills. The Watch Leaders supervised as the Youth Crew practised taking charge of their watches and safely and efficiently set and furled the various sails. During the Dog watches, Captain John formally assessedeach watch to ensure that they are able to be responsible for sail handling during command day. All watches passed muster. Captain John also announced that the Youth Crew had reached phase two of the voyage. This is where it is determined that the Youth Crew have gained the necessary confidence and experience to climb and workaloft without the Staff Crew being with them. They will still have to go through all the normal safety checks and follow the ruleswhen aloft, but they have shown themselves to be able to safely go aloft on their own. Reaching phase two and being assessed ascompetent sail handlers are two of the major hurdles that must be achieved before command day can go ahead, so the Youth Crew can takea large measure of pride in reaching these milestones ahead of the usual time frame. BZ (Navy speak for well done) to all hands.We have already set our clocks back one hour so the Youth Crew are enjoying the extra time playing board games in the Cafe. Itis raining very heavily as we are sitting directly in the middle of a series of Thunder storms. The fireworks display is quite impressive as every few seconds the sky lights up and the shore of Batemans Baybecomes visible. We will weigh anchor early tomorrow morning and shape a course North for Jervis Bay, hopefully taking advantage ofthe forecast Sou’ East winds.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Ship’s operations are governed by the rules and regulations of the Royal Australian Navy. The Staff Crew are all serving members of the Navy, and as such, are fully trained and qualified professionals within their individual specialisations. These include navigation, marine engineering, foodservices, seamanship, administration and ship’s husbandry. In addition, all Staff Crew receive specialised training in YOUNGENDEAVOUR’s fall arrest system and recovery from aloft procedures,and facilitation of the youth development program.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Reef- To put a reef in a sail is to reduce its area by tying a section of it together using reef points.Rollar reefing is carried out by rolling part of a sail around its stay or spar. Shroud- A supporting wire or rope from the head of a mast to the sides of the vesssel or the top platforms below.Thought of the Day- Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of the rest or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, thoseripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance…Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure to their colleagues, the wrath of theirsociety. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully tochange. Robert F Kennedy.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RANHi mum and dad,I am having so much fun. Miss you alot, but this beats home.This has been the best trip i have ever been on. Every one on here are sonice and are fun to be with, I feel like I am at home. I can’t wait unitl I tell you all about it. I have also been named the chatta box of the crew. I’ll see you soon.love Taz xxooHey everyone at home,Well, what can I say- what an experience. The last few days on board Young Endeavour have been filled with heaps of fun, laughter, plus the occasional seasickness, unfortunately. The people are great, Ihave made so many new friends and challenged myself and overcome some of my greatest fears. I miss you all and love you heaps and I’ll be home soon. I am having so much fun, what an adventure. Hi Mum andDad, Elliot, Tobey, all the guys and girls at school. Love Sophie xoxoPS.Beck says hi to Pete and Steggalls, she loves you both.