Day 9 – Aftermath of Command Day!

I am writing this Captains Log once again as our Youth Crew have given their all during Command Day and are exhausted! The Youthies rallied behind their elected leadership team and worked through priority tasks and side quests to the best of their ability whilst the ship remained at anchor in the approaches to Mooloolaba.

After dinner, the Youth Crew Captain, Captain Locke, requested that the Ship Crew weigh anchor and point the bow to the East to commence the sailplan challenge over night. Navigator Annabelle scrutinised her charts and once the engines were off and the sails were set the Youth Crew monitored their position, developed an understanding of leeway, and finally enjoyed some proper winds in their sails overnight. We had 15-25kn Southerlies that backed and veered, strengthened and abated, keeping SailMaster Noah on his toes and the youth crew lively through the night with tacks required to manage our passage.

As dawn broke the Youth Crew breathed a sigh of relief as they had arrived at their final waypoint 7 minutes within their target time and Ship Crew closed up for the long pilotage into Moreton Bay. Tangalooma was our destination but as we headed south the wind remained uncooperative and with 18kn of SSW blowing through the planned anchorage our plans were dashed on the beach like a breaking wave.

A quick phone call to our friends at HMAS Moreton and CMDR Apikotoa, RAN, graciously allowed us safe harbour to berth, empty our bins, conduct some minor sail repair and rest overnight. We berthed at 1430K and shifted focus to a very important element of this Development voyage – the Command Day Debrief. This is an opportunity to draw insights from our ordeal over the previous 24 hours. The Youth Crew were genuine and life lessons were scribed onto whiteboards and presented to the group. It is my hope that our Youth Crew takes some of these with them into their lives beyond Young Endeavour.

The chef never fails to deliver and Nath fuelled us up before we capitalised on the calm conditions and harbour furled the three square sails. A whole ship effort with all of the Youth up the yards and with a “one, two Ooopaaahhh!” neatly harbour furled these beautiful sails.

Before Command Day starts I ask the Youthies to give 110% so as to not walk away with any regret. These Young Australians go to bed tonight for a well earned rest after doing exactly that. It is powerful and rewarding stuff.

Tomorrow is another day! Up to Dockside Marina, Kangaroo Point, to pick up our Community Days guests at 0900 for a 1000 departure. See you down there!

Captain Leups Out+