Day 2 – Farewell Newcastle Harbour

The youth crew of V18 awoke at a 0630 for a few brisk crisp laps around the deck. After a scrumptious breakfast provided by the magnificent chef, Ash, the youth crew assembled on the deck for the flag-raising ceremony of Colours, accompanied by the National Anthem, followed by the first Morning Brief of the voyage. Next we undertook the detailed Safety Equipment Brief conducted by Watch Officer Matty and then Cleaning Stations, otherwise known as ‘Happy Hour’.

The Ship departed Newcastle Harbour at 1030 and commenced our first leg of the voyage to Jervis Bay. Lunch commenced at the usual time of 1115 and the watches rotated through the café one at a time. The Sail Master and I then had our chats with the Youth Crew, talking about our expectations of them whilst they are onboard and tips for how they can get the best out of the voyage. The rest of the afternoon was spent practising Setting and Furling the Stay Sails and learning Deck Safety.

Ash worked her usual magic in the galley and produced delicious choices for dinner of Massaman Beef Curry, Baked Salmon or a Vege dish, although not all of the crew partook as a few were having difficulties finding their ‘Sea Legs’ at this early stage. The Youthies commenced night watches from the Last Dog Watch (1800 – 2000) and will continue after that with 4 hour watches through the night until 0800 tomorrow morning, experiencing the joys of shift work. Their duties while on watch will include steering the Ship, maintaining a safety visual lookout and conducting safety rounds of the Ship every hour.

From tomorrow you will hear from the Youthies about their adventures rather than from me. If the wind behaves as forecast we will arrive in Jervis Bay on Thursday morning, where we will go to anchor for a night.

Yours Aye, Captain Mike