Day 1 – A successful first day back at sea

Welcome to the Captain’s Log for Day 1 of Voyage 05/24.

Ahoy there shipmates, landlubbers and armchair sailors, it was great to meet the Youth Crew of our five day “Shakedown” voyage today alongside HMAS Waterhen. Hailing from NSW, QLD, VIC and WA, they arrived bright and early at 0730 and before I could welcome them onboard, our victuals turned up on the wharf, so they ‘turned-to’ and the fridge, freezer and dry store was full in no time. I then took the opportunity to conduct a formal welcome and introduce my staff crew, as follows: Sail Master – Tommo. Navigator – Matthew. Assistant Navigator – Charlie. Watch Officer – Charlotte. White Watch Leaders – Matty and Chris. Red Watch Leaders – Sara and Leups. Blue Watch Leader – Bec. Chef – Steve. Engineers – Dan, Simon and Shaun.

Once their kit was stowed below deck, Watch Leaders kicked off the program with ice breakers and ships’ tours. On completion, Chris took our new ship mates on a full tour of all safety and survival equipment, before we departed Waterhen and were expertly navigated to an anchorage in the vicinity of Athol Bay (next to the Zoo) by Matt, our trusty Navigator.

A lovely lunch was served, then the Youth Crew were mustered at midships, where Bec demonstrated the safe operation and use of our climbing harnesses. She taught them all about: donning said harness, conducting buddy checks and the process for laying aloft. Then it was time, ladies and gents, for our young sea puppies to lay aloft for the very first time. And up the foremast they went, aiming for the topgallant yard, hand over fist, with grit and determination. Each and every one of them pushed themselves to go as far as they could, and I’m pleased to announce that they all made it safely to the top and back down again. Well done shipmates.

Youth Crew then split into their watches and began seamanship training, consisting of line handling, deck safety and sail handling principles.

After a wee tea break, Tommo spoke to the Youth Crew about their responsibilities and a few ‘guidelines’ to ensure communal harmony and unconditional positive regard for all. We are an intergalactic good vibes only zone, after all! We also spoke about what to expect over the next five days and ways to ensure maximum involvement in the program.

Steve cooked up a grouse dinner and then time was our own for a couple of hours before the first watch stood-to at 2000. Each watch will take a four-hour anchor watch overnight and they will continue with consolidation training throughout the silent hours. Intention is to remain at anchor overnight, conducting sail setting and furling drills in the forenoon and departing Sydney Harbour prior to lunch. The adventure has begun… I wonder where we’ll be this time tomorrow night?

Captain Adam Charlie Farley – Out+