Captain's Log
V02/25, Eden to Melbourne
24 January 2025

Day 10 – My Eyes Were Opened By the Sea

Ahoy Shipmates and armchair reader of this fine log, today marks the end of Voyage 02/25: Eden to Melbourne and what a voyage it was. From the Day One it was clear to my team and I that we had a real bunch of go-getting Youth Crew onboard.

The Youth Crew layed aloft on the morning of Day Two in 30-40kn of wind with each and every Youthie getting up to the T’Gallant and back in record time. A first for me and a sign of things to come. That afternoon we weighed anchor and set and furled sails for the first time in 25 knot winds. With that much weight in the sheets it requires close supervision by ship staff and focussed attention by the Youth Crew themselves. When there is a fair blow in the sails some of these lines have a lot of weight in them and this can be dangerous if not managed closely. That said, the Youth Crew clutched in and dominated. It was so windy that we went back to anchor that night to wait it out.

Day Three and we weighed anchor again, this time in 30kn Southerlies (remember that big storm that hit Sydney? We were in the tail end of it down in Twofold Bay, Eden). The Youth Crew tacked for the first four times of their lives in the bay in big wind and, again, lots of weight in the sheets but they listened, looked out for each other and respected the crew who supervised like diligent hawks! Back to anchor once again while the southerlies blew.

Day Four and we made the decision to brave the rough seas and punch South with our destination Deal Island. The Youth Crew faced an angry sea with 25kn winds and 2-4m seas as we beat our way South requiring multiple tacks. A few green gills wasnt going to stop this determined mob of Australian Youth. Despite a bodycount littering the upper decks at Sunrise the crew rose and cracked on with Day Five. We remained at sea overnight as Deal was still a few clicks over the horizon. The seas smoothed, the winds abated and we arrived in Deal Island in beautiful conditions. The pain was worth it as we got 5 hours ashore exploring the island and meeting a few of the locals (and a swim!).

We reluctantly weighed anchor and headed North overnight to anchor at Cowels Beach, Westernport Bay. Command Day elections were conducted without bloodshed and we had our elected crew for Day Eight; Command Day. The Youth Crew smashed Command Day out of the park with everyone pitching in and helping each other out. It was great to see.

Unfortunately every adventure comes to an end and so too much Voyage 02/25. We arrived at Station Pier today with friends and families collecting their respective Young Australians. Trip of a lifetime and a memorable voyage. Well done shipmates. Absolute pleasure sailing with each and every one of you.

Now we pause, clean up and get the ship ready for Monday when we meet Voyage 03/25 over at Geelong! Check out the Royal Geelong Yacht Race tomorrow – you may see our beautiful blue lady firing her cannons to start the race!

Captain Leups Out +

 

Latitude/Longitude:

37 50.6S / 144 55.8E

Conditions:

Weather: Sunny Wind: 10-15kn SSW Temp: 21C