Underway

G’day shipmates,Welcome to Young Endeavour’s Voyage 02 of 2018. Our journey starts in the vibrant city of Melbourne and finishes in the beautiful harbour city of Sydney. We have a magnificent tall ship, wind for our sails and the Victorian and NSW Coasts to explore. The potential is limitless and sense of adventure is infectious. I would like to introduce the Team of Staff Crew that will facilitate this voyage of adventure:Captain –                                             MikeSail Master –                                      HarryNavigator –                                         EvanWatch Officer –                                             AdamRed Watch Leader –                       CharlieWhite Watch Leader –                   ChaffBlue Watch Leader –                      MeganChef –                                                   MarcusEngineer –                                           BrettSupers -                                                            Jay and DarrenVoyage 02 officially commenced at 1500 today when the Youth Crew and their families and friends were welcomed onboard to have a quick look around the Ship and meet the Staff Crew before we sailed from the Workshop Pier, Williamstown, Melbourne VIC, and anchored off Portarlington to commence the evening’s program. The Youth Crew divided into their watches and, during the passage, undertook a few ‘ice-breaker’ activities to get to know one another. That was followed by a detailed tour of the Ship conducted by the Watch Leaders.Dinner followed, with Chef Marcus amazing us with his exceptional culinary skills. Once we had cleaned up from dinner, I had a chat to the Youth Crew about what their voyage would entail during the next eleven days. On completion, Harry, as Sail Master, gave his talk during which he discussed the code of conduct, some general points on safety and living in close-quarters with other people.Once we had anchored in the lee of Portarlington, Harry gave the Climbing Safety Brief and we then undertook the first night climbs, during which the Youth Crew climbed, one watch at a time, to the Top Gallant Yard, spent some time getting used to working on the yard and then climbed back down to the deck. When not aloft, the Watch Leaders and the Watches focussed on basic Deck Safety and completed their Watch Full Value Contracts. These documents detail what the Watches aim to achieve during the voyage. These aims will be able to be amended if necessary during the voyage and will be reviewed at the end to determine the level of success.I am very pleased to report that all of the Youth Crew has done extremely well on what has been a very long day for many of us. I am from the outset impressed with both their individual efforts and team attitude.Tuesday morning early, we plan to depart Port Phillip Bay and shape a course to the south east towards Deal Island, where we plan to anchor long enough to get everyone ashore for a walk to the old Lighthouse.Until Tuesday evening, take care. Yours AyeCaptain Mike