Day 2 – Into the Tasman Sea – Yippee!

Welcome to the Captain’s Log for Day 2 of Voyage 05/24.

Ahoy dear readers, Day two of our voyage began at anchor in Athol Bay, Sydney. Youth Crew had maintained anchor watches overnight where their Watch Leaders took them through deck safety, sail handling and climbing consolidation. I’m told the sunset and sunrise climbs were thoroughly enjoyed. Morning brief was conducted at 0900, then everyone turned-to cleaning stations, and we gave the ship a good scrub fwd to aft.

At 1000 the ship weighed anchor and we departed Sydney Harbour under a partly cloudy sky and light winds. As we split the heads, Youth Crew swung into action for setting and furling drills of the fore, main and topgallant staysails before lunch was served at 1115. We were welcomed into the Tasman Sea by 10-12 kts of north-easterly winds and a relatively comfortable sea state. Simon our second Engineer and resident Rope Races host, called everyone to action at 1300 for a fun game of learning the ropes (literally), whereby one member from each watch is pitted against the others to be the first to touch the thing Simon has called. “Find the jib furling line” for example. It was a tightly contested battle, dear readers, but fun and learning won the day!

On completing Ropies, Youth Crew continued sail handling drills until Watch Leaders were satisfied with their skills. The Sailmaster then called “Hands to tacking stations” and we conducted several tacks and wears (tall ship gybes), with a short pause in the middle, to enjoy the grace and frivolity of a small pod of dolphins, who swam in close to feel our good vibrations. Youth Crew performed superbly by the way, as they masterfully manipulated the sails in order to adjust our course.

Youth Crew had dinner and have now turned-to sea watches, involving a four-hour shift of watch-on-deck duties including: helming, lookout and rounds responsibilities overnight, keeping us safe, while the rest of us sleep. It was a fantastic day of wonderful weather and great sailing… well done Youth Crew. Our intention is to remain at sea overnight, so goodnight and sleep tight everybody.

Captain Adam Charlie Farley – Out+