Day 8 – Command Day!
And so, we have made it to the big day – Command Day! After much anticipation, the Youthies awoke this morning eager to put all their skills to good use. At 1000 hours, Captain Libby (somewhat nervously) handed her ship over to Ben and his Command Team, and the adventure began!
Many challenges for the morning faced us. Navigation instructions were collected by the beach assault team, a multicoloured chalk mural depicting our amazing staffies was drawn onto the deck, and a rope hammock was constructed. I’m happy to report that it held all 24 of us, despite a few creaks!
However, since the Young Endeavour is indeed, a sailing ship, it was soon time to weigh anchor and make our way out of Nelson Bay. Perhaps foreshadowing the adventures we were to experience over the coming night, the rain began to fall, and the waves began to build. With our spirits high, we set our first sails, and we were up and running! Our new masterchefs kept us fuelled with a delicious Bistro-themed dinner consisting of steak, chicken Parmi and roast lamb.
Despite a few teething issues, our teamwork and resilience has been strong, and we are enjoying embracing the challenges as a family.
Tonight, we will be running our new-look overnight watches and hoping to make good progress towards our target waypoints. We are looking forward to the challenge and are excited to let you know how we go tomorrow!
By Tara and Max (and others!)
Missing everyone back home, can’t wait to see you soon. Much love to you all and as always, from any corner of the world: KARLE ON TOP! – Tara
Happy Birthday mum! Hope everyone is doing well at home. I’m doing my best to not break the boat (again)! Lots of Love – Ben
Hello to my Mum and grandparents! Looking forward to telling you all about the voyage, I’m having the best time. – Paige
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Overcast & Rain, Wind S 20-30Kts, Swell S 1.5-2m
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Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike