Captain's Log

Voyage 17/23

26 September 2023

Day 1 – Ahoy new shipmates!

Ahoy there landlubbers, armchair sailors, and of course, our new ship mates! Welcome to the Captain’s Log for Voyage 17/23!

Brisbane (Meeanjin) put on a spectacular sunny spring day to commence Voyage 17/23 with our brand-new Youth Crew and their friends and family joining us alongside HMAS Moreton. All our new friends came on board for a quick tour before gathering at midships for introductions. Once I’d welcomed everyone it was time to meet my talented crew taking us down to Newcastle. For this voyage I am joined by: Sail Master – Chucky, Navigator – Trev, Watch Officer – Charlotte, Red Watch Leader – Sara, Blue Watch Leader – Shaun, White Watch Leader – Theresa, Engineer – Nobby and last, but by no means least, Chef – Ash!

I could tell our new friends were itching to get off the wharf and kickstart their new adventure so, after some final hugs and farewells, we cast off the bow lines and sailed away from safe harbour.

During our delightful afternoon sail down the Brisbane River, Watch Leaders took charge for ice breakers and ships tours. Chef Ash then treated us all to a tough choice between Teriyaki Salmon and Lasagne for dinner.

After dinner, White Watch Leader and resident Safety Expert Theresa gave a Safety Brief, Chef Ash put on her Medical Care Provider hat and gave us a brief about staying healthy and well whilst on board, then Engineer Nobby told us all about the correct use of the ablutions on board (90 second showers!). There was then a little free time to enjoy the fresh air on the uppers before we pulled up at our destination for the night.

Once at anchor we settled on deck for a chat with Sail Master Chucky and the Captain (wait… that’s me!). Finally, it was time for bed and a last chance to get a full night’s sleep. Tonight, the Staffies have volunteered to keep the ship safe but from tomorrow we’ll be up overnight learning how to keep watches. Tune in tomorrow (and each night) to follow along the journey with us!

Stay safe new friends! Captain Libby+

Latitude/Longitude:

27 09.3’S / 153 21.5’E

Conditions:

Sunny, Wind NE 10-15Kts, Swell >0.5m

AUTHOR: Libby Newman

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