Day 9 – Command Day part 2 (Ahoy Sydney Harbour!)

A good Wednesday to everybody! Felisha here. I’m writing from the bridge, to the reminiscent strains of Moana from the nearby disco dance floor… ’nuff’ said. The wind has certainly been in our proverbial sails today, as we completed our “Command Day” passing the expectations of a few, and liberating the inner workhorses of all. We now sit at anchor in a peaceful Sydney Harbour, and will remain here tonight, giving all a good chance to catch up on much needed sleep after a challenging twenty-four hours. We accomplished everything on the task list given us, and were successful in all areas of expertise – sail handling, navigation, polishing the decks, and cooking exceptional food including three flavours of pancakes for breakfast this morning. We were given the double thumbs up from all members of the Staff Crew; so congratulations youth crew of VO8/23!
We handed back the ship to our real captain – Captain Adam Charley Farley – who gladly excepted back the ships’ keys and the ceremonial hat and telescope. The pool was then opened, after some safety briefs, and a demo from our ‘Nav’, and everyone had a chance to show off their moves on the rope swing, and giant lily pad. Lunch interrupted the fun, but was certainly not to be missed with a great variety of delicious food from our very own Cheffo, Ash. We then moved into some very worthwhile discussions on the take-away points of “Command Day”, coming away with a greater appreciation for each other, the importance of teamwork and communication, and possibly a greater respect for those in positions of leadership – all great skills and lessons to take with us as we re-enter our usual lives shortly.
After a brief time of relaxation, we enjoyed fresh bickies from Hoppy and Ash, and proceeded up the rat-lines to conduct harbour furls (packing the sails under UV protectant material in concertina folds, to both look presentable, and to protect it from sun damage). By the time we were finished with this project, the sun had set over the picturesque Sydney skyline, and Ash’s wonderful dinner was waiting.
After dinner, we rocked out to some of our favourite tunes sponsored by the staffies especially the untirable DJ Shaun, and the shuffle dance king of the night – Hutchy! There is no swell this evening, but the soundwaves certainly took their toll, as happy disco-goers have now retired to their racks to get some shut-eye before tomorrow. We send our love to family and friends, and look forward to recounting our epic tales once we’ve returned home.
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Weather: Fine. Wind: SW @ 5kts. Swell: Nil. Temp: 19.
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ARRRGH, ahoy there from the spectacular Jervis Bay! We’ve all been taken A-back by the crystal clear blue waters and snow white sands.
After a well deserved sleep in these sheltered waters which was a refreshing change to clinging to our bunk racks for dear life for the past few days, the ship rose to another banger of a morale tune “sung” by Blue Watch. Brekkie was fun after the early morning activity to get us all up and moving. We held another round of competitive not-competitive rope races which culminated in smashed eggs on deck and the mummification of said egg smashers.
Roast lamb for lunch was prepped by the staffies in the absence of our culinary wizard Steve. Once cleaned up, we took the RHIB’s across to Captains Beach bordering HMAS Creswell which was a mind-blowingly beautiful little spot. Pretty much everyone had a dip in the drink and a roll in the sand and played some creative beach games run by our Suitability legends, Speedy Sam and Eggs.
A few hours at the beach made everyone ready to head back home and attack a teak deck barbeque, devouring cheese platters, steaks, sangas, and salads. With our full stomachs, us youthies initiated the highly anticipated elections for our command day roles. Which will commence sometime around midday tomorrow. We held a vote for each available role that all willing youthies put themselves forward for.
The following roles were voted as follows: Captain – Warwick, Sailmaster – Hugh, Navigator – Ruscoe, Officer of the Watch – Dan, Watch Leader – Nick, Ben, Bridget, Master chef – Emily, Mackenzie, Alyshia
We were greeted after our elections by a low flying anti-submarine MH60-Romeo Helicopter which did a cool fly around our ship. *Thanks Squizz!!* And then watched an amazing film about the rounding of Cape Horn back in 1929 on a 7 story tall sail ship.
Signing off from our anchor watch, Ben and Giles.
“I believe that positive energy and optimism help us to take up any challenge in life and to succeed in even the most difficult tasks. I also believe that positive energy is contagious: We can transmit it to others”


After a rather nonchalant guts watch with the Bluies, Reddies came in guns a blazing, setting our beautiful square sails preparing us for a speedy and eventful day at sea. Scaling (laying aloft) the Foremast, whilst the ship swayed kept the Reddies on their toes, holding on for dear life as they let out the gaskets for the Topgallant and Topsail Yards. A challenging activity to start off our day rewarded with a beautiful sunrise over Starboard.
During the day we participated in a Meteorology Brief led by our resident Nav guru TOMO, learning everything there is about fluffy, rainy and stormy clouds. This was followed by Lunch and a needed Siesta.
Whilst some slumbered, Bluies kept watch. They had brave volunteers to climb both main mast and to the topgallant yard to sea furl the sails.
In the afternoon, our Watches came together to have Mid Voyage Chats, where we had the opportunity to reflect on our voyage goals, experiences and discuss our hopes for Command Day. There were some very heartfelt talks, from overcoming fears, to gaining confidence in working as a team, and we set our eyes upon what we want to achieve in the rest of the voyage.
The first dog (Reddies) (from 1545 to 1745) was full of excitement, with over 50kn winds and up to 50 degrees on the OOOH AAAH meter (heel). Watching the waves break higher than the rails was an exhilarating experience and kept us holding on tight. Sites of sharks and a Cargo ship kept our lookouts entertained, while Callum lead an engaging activity on Charts. At the end of the first dog watch, Nick and Phil braved these treacherous conditions to lay aloft on the mainmast to wrangle the mainsail!
Rockin and rolling, Youthies (the newest salty sea dogs) Hugh, Bridget, and Nick!!