Captain's Log

V05/25, Sydney to Brisbane

12 April 2025

Day 11 – The adventure is just beginning

What an end to an amazing voyage. 24 Young Australians joined us 11 days ago as strangers to the ship, the crew, each other and to the sea. Today they leave with their heads held high having accomplished things they never thought they could, in conditions that would seem unimaginable, and with 24 of their very best new friends. As Captain of this beautiful ship it is my absolute privilege to be surrounded by such incredible crew and to have the mission of delivering this truly amazing Youth Development Program.

We left Sydney and sailed into a large southerly sea but not a lot of wind. That wind abated as we cruised north surging against the East Australian Current. Two nights at sea saw us arrive in Trial Bay, South West Rocks. The Youth Crew weren’t too seasick and we went ashore, hugged a tree and toured the Trial Bay Gaol. After a teak deck BBQ that night we awoke on the morning of Day Six and set sail early to push North once again. The winds had dropped away and were a very fickle light and variable strength. This didn’t stop us from conducting multiple sail setting and handling drills. You never know when we might need them!

We anchored in Mooloolaba on the afternoon of the 7th day. It happened so fast but the Command Day elections were upon us. Captain Locke and his team were ready and on the 8th day I handed the ship over for what would turn out to be a 28 hour period. The Youth Crew sailed us from Mooloolaba to the entrance to Brisbane Harbour via a number of pre-determined Way Point which necessitated multiple tacks through the night. I was pleased to see winds gusting to 25kn as this tested a largely untested crew. They prevailed and experienced the exhiliaration of tacking at 0130 in the morning with all hands on deck. Most importantly it was done safely and without any bruised egos!

Day 9 was our pause to rest and reconstitute. We spent a number of hours debriefing and reflecting. Writing down our experiences and our thoughts. A powerful activity and one that will help imprint the life lessons learned to be remembered as these Young Australians leave this beautiful ship and return to broader Australian Society.

Our Youth Crew hosted a Community Day Sail on Day 10. Two groups from; Semloh Support Services from Toowoomba and the ROPE Association Brisbane, brought less able Young Australians onboard to experience a day in the life of our beautiful ship. The Youthies did themselves (and the crew) proud and enjoyed showing off their ship to their guests. Another powerful moment captured within the voyage.

Today our shipmates leave us but though they leave Young Endeavour, Young Endeavour will never leave them. You’ll see us coming over the horizon and hear the shouts of Yaaaarrrgggghhhhh Ahoy There!!!! from miles away. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you again as we visit your part of Australia during this Circumnavigation 2025 adventure. Tell your friends and share your photos online!

From all the crew; We loved having you onboard and wish you all the best with your next big adventure.

Captain Leups Out +

Latitude/Longitude:

27 26.680 S / 153 03.887 E

Conditions:

Weather: Sunny Wind: 10kn S Temp: 27C

AUTHOR: Andrew Leupen

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Day 10 – V08/25, Cairns to Thursday Island

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Day 11 – The adventure is just beginning

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