Day 2 – Into the Tasman Sea

Ahoy dear readers,

The ship remained alongside Sub Base Platypus overnight with the crew waking at 0630 for an energising early morning activity on deck, before devouring breakfast. Morning brief took place at 0800 after the Naval Colours ceremony, where we hoisted our daily suit of colours ie. The Australian National Flag (ANF) and the Australian White Ensign (AWE), and sung the National Athem.

At 0830 in relatively benign conditions, we slipped away from Platypus and found an anchorage in the vicinity of Taronga Zoo, in Athol Bay. Once the anchor was secured, Youth Crew turned-to cleaning stations and gave the ship a good old scrub, fore and aft. Happy hour we call it! Once each section was reported as complete, Tommo put on his white gloves and inspected their work, declaring the cleaning satisfactory. Youth Crew then reported to their Watch Leaders and seamanship training resumed.

I had some really tasty brisket for lunch, then took a wee siesta. Most of the Youth Crew did something similar. We were then roused at 1300 by the classic, The Safety Dance song, piped through main broadcast, which is Chris’ favourite and the theme song for his shipborne safety and survival equipment brief. Youth crew learnt all about our emergency procedures and safety gear. And I’m still tapping my foot!

“Anchor aweigh!” they cried and lowered the black ball, signifying our status as underway, ie. not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground. In a fresh breeze (Beaufort 5) we then conducted sail handling drills to the north side of the harbour, mostly in the lee of Cremorne and Kurraba Points. Youth Crew were picking up what their Watch Leaders were putting down, and so after dinner, a course was shaped out of the harbour and into the lumpy, Tasman Sea. The jib, forestaysail, mainstaysail and mainsail were all set, then we commenced tacking drills. Three tacks and a wear (gybe for Tall Ships) were successfully conducted and so with confidence in my shipmates, hands fell out from Tacking Stations and reverted to sea watches. Each watch will have a 4-hour shift overnight, taking responsibility for the safety of the ship, on the helm, lookout and rounds duties. The ship will remain at sea overnight, making ground towards Broken Bay.

Stay tuned for more action and adventure tomorrow night.

Captain Adam Charlie Farley – Out+