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Captain's Log
14 April 2000
To Gabo Island instead
Conditions continued with light winds yesterday afternoon and more motoring so we had some fun with deck games to pass the time. Last night at last some wind piped up but alas from the wrong direction. None the less with 25 knots across the deck it was ideal for sailing so at 0100 this morning we shut down the engines, set fore and aft sails and were soon making good six knots to the ENE. At the change of watch at 0400 it was all hands to tacking stations and our first tack in some decent breeze and in the dark at that. The Youth Crew acquitted themselves well, closing up promptly and the tack went smoothly.Closing the coast close hauled on the starboard tack had us back to tacking stations again at 0800. Once we had made some offing the wind died again so back on with motors for more motor sailing. By this stage it was clear that we could not make Twofold Bay today and we have decided to anchor off Gabo Island instead, a spot no-one on board has been to before, (it’s always nice to try something new). Apart from all the tacking the highlight of the morning had to be the big cake that the chef prepared for our birthday girl, Fliss, who is 24 today.Now we are at anchor and all have gone ashore for a walk to the lighthouse. There is definitely a sou-westerly change forecast for tonight and the barometer is falling so when everyone is back on board it will be up anchor and hopefully a good sail up to Jervis Bay tonight.Fair winds to you (and me I hope)!Cap’n Bob.
Latitude/Longitude:
37° 36' South / 149° 54'
Conditions:
Wind light northerly, temp 20, skiesovercast with an occasional shower.
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Sydney; V19/23
07 December 2023
Day 3 – Hands to Tacking Stations!
Our day started with anchor watches throughout the early hours of the morning, taking turns doing rounds. This included: checking the cable, monitoring thermometers, the ships position, listening in on radio chatter, and getting to know our fellow mariners on watch.
We awoke to the tune of “Chicken Fried” blaring music at 6:30. It was country day! We then ran through the daily routine of walking in a circle, playing ubuntu, showers, breakfast, Colours, and Morning Brief.
Then came the happiest hour of the day, where we cleaned the ship to meet Sail Master Tomo’s expectations. A few of us then had the chance to climb the Main Mast to take the gaskets off the Main Sail. We went all the way to the top (33 meters) and had an exceptional view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Youthies and Staffies worked on setting the brand-new Main Sail, with every person on the ship having a role.
As it was country day on the ship, Chef Ash cooked up a storm in the galley, getting inspiration from her recent trip to Vietnam.
During our lunch break, the Youthies chatted to the others in their Anchor Watch to get to know them better. After this we all gathered at midships where Tommo announced that the 3 Way Chats were about to begin.
Captain Libby surprised the whole crew with the joke “How much does an anchor weigh?” which meant we were weighing anchor (taking the anchor up) and we were setting sail bound for the Heads!
As watches, we were each given a section of the ships for Tacking Stations. We (the White watch) had the Jib and the Fore Staysail, however the Jib sheet needed the whole crew just to set it.
We were then given the opportunity to have a nap, or for those not feeling too well, we went up to the deck to get some fresh air. At 7:45, it was our turn to be at the starboard side of the Bridge to start our first 4-hour watch.
Matty and Karsen took us on a climb us to the Lower Top to watch the sunset together and sing “I want it that way” – Backstreet Boys and continued our watch into the night.
Shoutout to Mum, Dad, and Jack and Claire
Lots of love – Issy and Anthea
Sydney; V19/23
06 December 2023
Day 2 – 2, 6, Heave!
Ahoy there landlubbers and armchair sailors, welcome to the Captain’s Log for Day 2!
The day dawned bright and beautiful over Sydney Harbour, so beautiful in fact Sail Master Tomo couldn’t let our Youthies miss it! Waking the ship at 0600, Tomo corralled everyone on the upper decks for an introduction to Early Morning Activity. After a quick game the Youthies shuffled back below to conduct their morning ablutions and enjoy some breakfast.
After breakfast it was straight back up on deck for the Harness Brief from our resident Safety Expert Matty. Once we were experts in the safety features for climbing aloft it was time to lay aloft for our first climbs! Every Youthie made it off the deck, braving their fears as they climbed to the different yards on the Foremast.
By the time 24 Youthies had returned to the deck, Ash had cooked an amazing feast for lunch of Satay Chicken and perfectly cooked steaks. This was vitally important as the Youthies spent the afternoon “learning the ropes” and parts of the ship. The Staffies put on a great demo of setting and furling sails before the Youthies were able to showcase everything they have learnt. The upper decks were filled with the yelling of Youthies chanting 2,6, heave! Good thing there was a lot of protein at lunch for their strong muscles!
Whilst this occurred Ash, (with the help of Emma), made some delicious, crumbed lamb cutlets, mushroom risotto, and roast chicken for dinner. Captain Libby then hosted a round of Celebrity Rope Races, testing the Youthies knowledge of the safety equipment. Red Watch gained a convincing lead with Blue and White not far behind.
To round out the day it was decided that the sunset over Harbour Bridge was too good to miss! So, all the Youthies laid aloft in the tradition of “manning the yards”, to watch the magnificent sunset.
Overnight we will remain in Athol Bay, under the watchful eye of our Youthies conducting Anchor Watches. I have no doubt we will sleep soundly tonight!
I hope you’ve enjoyed the day as much as we have! We’ll see you tomorrow! Captain Libby+
Sydney; V19/23
05 December 2023
Day 1 – Ahoy New Shipmates! (We’re back!)
Ahoy there landlubbers, armchair sailors and salty sea dogs all! Welcome to the Captain’s Log, we’re right back at it for Voyage 19/23! Did you miss us?
It was a hot and sunny December day for the Youth Crew of Voyage 19/23 to join us alongside HMAS Waterhen in Sydney. Our brand new Youthies, and their friends and family embarked for some quick tours before hunting for shade at midships for introductions. Once I’d welcomed everyone on board, it was time to meet my exceptional crew for the voyage: Sail Master – Tomo, Navigator – Trevor, Watch Officer – Emma, Red Watch Leader – TJ, Assistant Red Watch Leader – Timmy, White Watch Leader – Matty, Blue Watch Leader – Christine, Assistant Blue Watch Leader - Karsen, Engineer – Nobby and last, but by no means least, Chef – Ash!
Before long, it was time to say farewells and begin our adventure with Watch Leaders quickly taking charge for ice breakers and ships tours. Chef Ash then served up a treat with Baked Ham, Salmon and Creamy Tomato and Mushroom Pasta on offer.
With dinner done and dusted, it was time to depart Waterhen and set off for a sunset harbour cruise to Athol Bay. Once safely anchor, our Youthies settled on deck with a stunning view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.
Chef Ash kicked off the evening’s briefs with her Medical Care Provider chat, giving tips and tricks for staying happy and healthy on board. Then Engineer Nobby laid down the law, with 90 second showers the order of the day. Finally Sail Master Tomo and the Captain (that’s me!) had their say before it was judged that our new shipmates were all briefed out for the day.
Finally, it was time for some cool (90 second!) showers and bed. With the Staffies volunteering to keep the ship safe overnight it will be the Youthies last chance for a full night’s sleep for a while!
It’s been a big day to start V19/23 and our Youthies are all tucked up safe in bed. Tune in tomorrow (and each night) to see what our adventurous Youth Crew have been up to.
Until then, stay safe new friends! Captain Libby +
