Day 3 – Hugging trees in Port Stephens

Last night the youthies participated in their first night watches.

It was organised into watch groups, which rotated in four-hour intervals.

It became clear that sea legs were yet to form, as most of us spent a lot of the watch leaning over the side of the boat.

During the night watches, tacks and wears were conducted, sails were set, and harnesses were locked in.

The youthies woke to the Moana soundtrack blaring, and following instructions to prepare for the day. Meeting our sail master at the port side of the bridge, we were informed that we would be anchoring and going ashore today, giving all youthies immense relief. The excitement was palpable as land came into view and the sea began to calm. Upon anchoring our first happy hour (cleaning time) commenced. We were split into sections of the ship and assigned a range of tasks from wiping tables to mopping floors and scrubbing toilets. The watch leaders proved themselves to have good taste in music as they played soundtracks for us while we ground away.

Rope races followed happy hour, which was a competition between the three watches. One youthie from each watch was called per round and would come up to the front, where Dan the Engineer would read out a particular item/piece of equipment onboard. Then, they would race (WITHOUT RUNNING) to be the first to indicate where the equipment was located. The watches tied, so bonus points were awarded via a tie breaker, which red won.

After lunch, the youthies all got ready to head to shore and enjoy a cold swim at Port Stephens’, Jimmy’s beach. Multiple sports were played and many hands and toes became purple (from the cold water- Ed) but we all had fun. While on the beach, youthies were gathered into groups of 3, where they participated in getting to know one another on a deeper level.

The boats brought the youthies back to the ship, where we all rushed to the showers before enjoying one of the best dinners yet. To our pleasant suprise many youthies’ dinner stayed in their stomachs. Shipmate Will’s seventeenth birthday was also celebrated, along with his magnificent forehead tan line, with an amazing chocolate cake made by chef Steve. After the third ‘happy birthday’ song of the day, we presented our findings about our other crewmates from the 3 way conversations. There was some slight panic when the order of presentation was random, however it was overcome by some frantic behind the scenes whispering.

Having been briefed by the ship’s navigator about the duties regarding anchor watch, youthies settled in for the night preparing for the watches ahead.

By Will, Alice and Dorothea

Shoutouts:

– Mum, Dad (officer Nolan) and Sisters, happy to tell you I am still alive and surprisingly haven’t thrown up yet. Looking forward to being on solid ground once again – Will (The Favourite Child)

– Hi Mum and Dad, hope you don’t miss me too much. Seasickness is real, but I’m surviving so far, so that’s something. Having a great time, can’t wait to see you soon – Alice xx

– Hi Mum, Blessing and Lexie, I miss you guys! Having lots of fun! – Dorothea