Captain's Log

V01/25, Sydney to Eden

10 January 2025

Day 8 – Command Day Challenge

Ahoy There!

It’s command day and the Youthies have taken over!

We started of the day with a quick game of snakes and a snappy happy hour, making the most of the last few hours before taking command of this fine vessel. We went straight into opposite talks whereby elected youthie leaders are able to get some pointers from their respective staffies.

At 9:30 we met at mid ships where Captain Leups handed control of the ship over to Captain Harry with the ceremonial tricorn hat and looking glass along with an envelope with a set of secret instructions. Then the staffies went on holiday, Chris went to the north pole, TJ hit up his bush doof, and holy moly guacamole Steve turned into an avocado!

Captain Harry’s first act as CO was to weigh anchor and sail to Eden, setting a dazzling display of sails as advised by his Sail Master Theo. The remainder of the Youth Crew set to work on the list of challenges ahead of them. Including designing an incredible mural with drawings of all the staffies on the main deck; Chris represented as a donkey – pretty sure that’s his spirit animal. Morale officers Izzy and Erin kept us all sun smart by piping their slip, slop, slap reminders. Relevant after several sunburns from the previous beach day.

Our wonderful navigators planned the route so brilliantly that we were making record time, and somehow, miraculously – a mysterious jellyfish ended up in the sea strainer shutting down the engine. As a result, Dan the man, recommended that, for safety reasons, the engines can no longer be used, leaving us relying on our excellent sailing skills.

Whilst on our voyage we finally saw the promised rats of the sea – dolphins! And soon enough a small pod of pygmy whales appeared. After a dip in spirits, our morale officer Erin encouraged us all to throw the old food overboard – potatoes, pineapples, rockmelons, you name it! 12NM from land of course!!

To finish off the day our wonderful chefo’s, Izzy, Nik, and Ray cooked up a storm for us with an Italian theme. With Niks lovely lasagne, Ray’s marvellous minestrone, and Izzy’s incredible ice cream sandwiches to finish up.

We finished up just in time for the after dinner talent show! With performances from Nik, River, Bucky and Dayna, and a staffie encore from Steve. Very impressive!

Shout out to James, Campbell, Theo and Harry for their dedication and commitment to keeping the team on track and safely taking us to Eden!

Signing off, Kat and Izzy +

Latitude/Longitude:

36 08.9S / 150 26.9E

Conditions:

Weather: Overcast Wind: E-NE at 10KN Temp: 26C

AUTHOR: Andrew Leupen

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Day 10 – Arrival

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Day 8 – Command Day Challenge

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