Day One – Starting 2025 the right way!

Ahoy there readers of this fine journal. It is my absolute pleasure to present to you the first Captain’s Log of 2025 and my first as Captain of this beautiful ship. We welcomed the Youth Crew of V01/25 onboard at 1500 today whilst alongside HMAS Waterhen, NSW. With a large number of family, friends and loved ones along to farewell their intrepid travellers the nervous energy was like static crackling in the air.

I welcomed Youth Crew and guests onboard and introduced my seasoned crew, including: Sail Master – Kyle. Navigator – Charlie. Watch Officer – Karsen. Assistant Watch Officer – Bec. White Watch Leader – Matty J. Red Watch Leaders – Chris and Simon. Blue Watch Leaders – TJ. Chef – Steve, and Engineers – Dan and James. We promptly farewelled family and friends and Watch Leaders kicked off the program with ice breakers and ships’ tours. Chefo Steve whipped up a delicious meal of Pasta and Chicken Kievs with a few cheeky sweets to finish up. Youth Crew were then mustered at midships, where we detailed some guidelines to ensure communal harmony and reinforced the message of unconditional positive regard for all. After a short break to ensure we kept our Youth Crew clutched in and paying attention we then briefed in the importance of shipborne lifesaving and survival equipment and a medical brief for completeness. These aspects of safety of life at sea are very important on a seagoing vessel. Our Watch Leaders then lead a negotiation on Full Value Contracts for the voyage, to ensure that each of the Youth get the most out of their time onboard. Our intention is to remain alongside overnight, slipping and proceeding to sea at 0715 with an anchorage in Athol Bay our target destination.

This has to be the best possible way to start a new year – stay tuned to see where this adventure will take us!

Captain Leups Out +