Voyage 05/13 – Day 1 – Newcastle Harbour

Hello everyone, Welcome to Young Endeavour’s Voyage 5 for 2013. Our journey starts in Newcastle and will conclude in the glorious Harbour City of Sydney. We have a magnificent tall ship, wind for our sails and the NSW Coast explore. The potential is limitless and sense of adventure is infectious. I would like to introduce the Team of Staff Crew that will facilitate this voyage of adventure: Captain – Mike Sail Master – Rick Navigator – Caitlin Watch Officer – Tim assisted by Dougie Red Watch Leader – Paul White Watch Leader – Guv assisted by Dave Blue Watch Leader – Dion Chef – Luke Engineer – Paul (otherwise known as Horto) Voyage 5 officially commenced at 1500 today when the new Youth Crew met the Staff Crew at the Queens Wharf in Newcastle. Unfortunately the Ship wasn’t able to be alongside that wharf as the port was closed to outgoing traffic, due to the prevailing high winds and strong outflow of storm water from the heavy rain of previous days. Instead we make our introductions at Queens Wharf, farewelled family and friends and the Youth Crew then walked around to the Ship berthed at the FORGACS Fitzroy Street Wharf. The Watch Leaders took this opportunity for the watch members to undertake some ‘ice-breaking’ activities aimed at getting to know each other whilst enjoying the sunny weather and the picturesque foreshore walk. So the Youth Crew didn\’t have to lug their heavy bags, we transported them to the Ship by vehicle. On arrival at the Ship the Watch Leaders showed the Youth Crew the locations of their bunks and then conducted detailed tours of the Ship. Dinner followed with Chef Luke, once again, amazing us with his excellent culinary skills. Once we had cleaned up from dinner, I had a bit of chat to the Youth Crew about what their voyage would entail during the next eleven days. On completion, Rick, as Sail Master, gave his talk about some of the rules, regulations and safety aspects of Young Endeavour before giving a safety aloft brief and a demonstration on how to climb the foremast. On completion I undertook a harness confidence check for all members of Youth Crew. This involved attaching their harness to a man overboard davit, trained inboard over the deck, and inverting to show they will not fall out. This is our final safety check prior to commencing our first climbs. This evening, with some nerves and a great deal of courage and determination every member of the Youth Crew undertook their first climb above the deck. Whilst not all members reached the topgallant yard (highest yard), which is located on top of the foremast and is approximately 33m above the water, all did make a huge effort and achieved great success. This climb will complete today’s activities and once the last member of the crew is safely back on deck everyone will turn in for their first nights sleep onboard Young Endeavour. I am very pleased to report that all of the Youth Crew has done extremely well on their first day and I am from the outset impressed with both their individual efforts and team attitude. Tuesday at midday we hope the port will be open enabling us to depart Newcastle Harbour and shape a course to the South. Until Tuesday evening, take care. Yours Aye Captain Mike