Day 9 – Arrival to Eden

Ahoy There!

The Youthies have the ship overnight for Command Day! Red watch reported being escorted by a pod of dolphins early in the morning and as we glided with the easterly wind, the youth crew remained on course and ahead of schedule. The Navigator, James, managed to keep the ship steady on course with help of the Sail master, Theo and Watch Officer, Campbell throughout the night and into the early morning.

As the sun rose on the magnificent Young Endeavour, youth crew Captain Harry guaranteed our prompt arrival at Eden. With satiated bellies, thanks to Chefs Nik, Izzy and Ray, the youth crew handed over command of the ship back to the Staffies. The ceremony included handing over the Telescope of Challenge and Tricorn hat back to Captain Leups after we safely anchored at Eden.

The Staffies were sufficiently impressed with the results and outcomes of command day which were overwhelmingly positive. The youth crew managed to successfully sail the ship on their own for over 130 nautical miles from Jervis Bay with minimum deviation or incident whilst completing a multitude of additional challenges!

The realisation of this day being one of our last weighed heavily on the crew. All three watches climbed the foremast to clew the squares and harbour furl. The youth crew were rewarded with a one hour respite (Nap time) for their arduous work.

Youth crew were encouraged to write letters to our future selves. The letters contained motivation, core memories, humour and reminders. The letters are a self-reflection of our lessons learnt at sea to guarantee success and motivation. The youth crew will receive the letters in 6 months time from now.

As the sun began to set a Midships Disco kicked off! The youth crew enjoyed dancing to various songs as they performed the Nut Bush, Macarena and various other dances. The whole ship came together in an emotional huddle to the song ‘Time Of Your Life’ as the sun set on our final night on the Young Endeavour. The night concluded with a highlight and lowlight reel of images from throughout the voyage.

This whole voyage has proven to be something unpredictable, and in the end that’s why, we’re glad we had the time of our lives.

Signing Off,

James, Hamzah and River.