Day 5 – Six Consecutive Flawless Tacks

Hello friends, family, and loved ones of our newly adorned salty sea dogs.
I never thought it could be so sunny, for so long, and yet still be, so cold. As with every day on STS YE, Day 5 brought with it an array of fresh challenges. Starting off, Ash’s delicious hot breakfast consoled a Guts watch (0001-0400) wounded White Watch, and fuelled both Staffies and Youthies alike, ready for big day.
Sail theory boggled many minds as areas of high and low air pressure seemed to have more of an effect on the Captain than the sails, after finding himself faked out on deck (ed – The Captain breakdances for effect!). Even with sleep deprivation spreading like scurvy, the Youthies continued to study hard for Rope Races, with Blue Watch ending round 4 with a not so commanding lead of just two points over Red Watch.
Following an intense and thrilling round of Rope Races, Tacking rotations commenced. Youthies found themselves in unfamiliar positions, heaving-in and checking-away on ropes their untrained hands had never grasped. Port Tack, Starboard Tack, fortunately, the Youthies stuck to it like blue tack and quickly perfected the manoeuvre.
Coming off the high of six consecutive flawless tacks, the watches split off to engage in the ‘Stop, Start, Continue’ exercise. Each and every one of us had to reflect hard and think deep about our now seemingly mundane life back on dry land. We wrote down habits that we would like to stop, practices we will aim to start, and behaviours we will strive to continue, on pieces of paper that, along with a reflective letter to self, will be mailed back to us in 6 months’ time. This amazing opportunity to take a break from the constant movement of life on YE and consider our normal lives was eagerly seized by all Youthies.
We are currently headed south east along the beautiful Tasmanian west coast aiming for Port Davey as our next anchorage. With a gentle swell, crisp southerly, and no more sea sickness on the horizon, all the crew of YE are in good spirits.
Peace Out!!!!!
Youthies Nick and Lachie
Shout out: Hope you guys are having fun without me. Mum and Dad, I still can’t believe you have gone to the Aus Open without me, but I guess I’ll forgive you; this is pretty fun too – Nick.
I hope that walter isn’t still being a cow to Wilson in the morning. Cant wait too see you soon and hope you are all safe – Lachie.
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Conditions: Fine. Wind: S @ 5-10kts. Swell: SW @ 1m. Temp: 15.
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ARRRGH, ahoy there from the spectacular Jervis Bay! We’ve all been taken A-back by the crystal clear blue waters and snow white sands.
After a well deserved sleep in these sheltered waters which was a refreshing change to clinging to our bunk racks for dear life for the past few days, the ship rose to another banger of a morale tune “sung” by Blue Watch. Brekkie was fun after the early morning activity to get us all up and moving. We held another round of competitive not-competitive rope races which culminated in smashed eggs on deck and the mummification of said egg smashers.
Roast lamb for lunch was prepped by the staffies in the absence of our culinary wizard Steve. Once cleaned up, we took the RHIB’s across to Captains Beach bordering HMAS Creswell which was a mind-blowingly beautiful little spot. Pretty much everyone had a dip in the drink and a roll in the sand and played some creative beach games run by our Suitability legends, Speedy Sam and Eggs.
A few hours at the beach made everyone ready to head back home and attack a teak deck barbeque, devouring cheese platters, steaks, sangas, and salads. With our full stomachs, us youthies initiated the highly anticipated elections for our command day roles. Which will commence sometime around midday tomorrow. We held a vote for each available role that all willing youthies put themselves forward for.
The following roles were voted as follows: Captain – Warwick, Sailmaster – Hugh, Navigator – Ruscoe, Officer of the Watch – Dan, Watch Leader – Nick, Ben, Bridget, Master chef – Emily, Mackenzie, Alyshia
We were greeted after our elections by a low flying anti-submarine MH60-Romeo Helicopter which did a cool fly around our ship. *Thanks Squizz!!* And then watched an amazing film about the rounding of Cape Horn back in 1929 on a 7 story tall sail ship.
Signing off from our anchor watch, Ben and Giles.
“I believe that positive energy and optimism help us to take up any challenge in life and to succeed in even the most difficult tasks. I also believe that positive energy is contagious: We can transmit it to others”


After a rather nonchalant guts watch with the Bluies, Reddies came in guns a blazing, setting our beautiful square sails preparing us for a speedy and eventful day at sea. Scaling (laying aloft) the Foremast, whilst the ship swayed kept the Reddies on their toes, holding on for dear life as they let out the gaskets for the Topgallant and Topsail Yards. A challenging activity to start off our day rewarded with a beautiful sunrise over Starboard.
During the day we participated in a Meteorology Brief led by our resident Nav guru TOMO, learning everything there is about fluffy, rainy and stormy clouds. This was followed by Lunch and a needed Siesta.
Whilst some slumbered, Bluies kept watch. They had brave volunteers to climb both main mast and to the topgallant yard to sea furl the sails.
In the afternoon, our Watches came together to have Mid Voyage Chats, where we had the opportunity to reflect on our voyage goals, experiences and discuss our hopes for Command Day. There were some very heartfelt talks, from overcoming fears, to gaining confidence in working as a team, and we set our eyes upon what we want to achieve in the rest of the voyage.
The first dog (Reddies) (from 1545 to 1745) was full of excitement, with over 50kn winds and up to 50 degrees on the OOOH AAAH meter (heel). Watching the waves break higher than the rails was an exhilarating experience and kept us holding on tight. Sites of sharks and a Cargo ship kept our lookouts entertained, while Callum lead an engaging activity on Charts. At the end of the first dog watch, Nick and Phil braved these treacherous conditions to lay aloft on the mainmast to wrangle the mainsail!
Rockin and rolling, Youthies (the newest salty sea dogs) Hugh, Bridget, and Nick!!