Voyage 17/12 Underway

Hi everyone, Welcome to Young Endeavour’s Seventeenth Voyage for 2012 and the last voyage of our northern program for this year. Our journey starts in Newcastle and will conclude in the magnificent Harbour City of Sydney. We have a magnificent tall ship, wind for our sails and the NSW Coast to 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 – Gav Sail Master – Mike Navigator – Kristy Watch Officer – Guv Red Watch Leader – Jordo assisted by Ricko White Watch Leader – Dougy Blue Watch Leader – Luke Chef – Squiz Engineer – Josh Voyage Seventeen officially commenced at 1500 today when the new Youth Crew joined Young Endeavour berthed alongside at the Queens Wharf in Newcastle. Once all gear had been stowed, everyone mustered on deck for a welcome address and staff introductions, which on this occasion was quite difficult as I had to compete with the noise of Brewery Hotel Band (not an easy task). At 1600 with family and friends farewelled, lines were cast-off and we departed our berth. Once clear, we conducted a short passage to the north west of Newcastle Harbour berthing port side to Throsby Warf at 1620. Normally on the first night of the voyage we would proceed to anchor but due to the limited options for anchorages in Newcastle Harbour our next best option was to utilize Throsby Wharf. Remaining alongside at Queens Wharf on a Sunday evening was not an option due to close proximity of the Brewery Hotel and the late night revellers. Once safely berthed at Throsby Wharf the Watch Leaders conducted a number of ‘ice breaker activities’ which was followed by ships tours. Dinner followed, with Chef Squiz 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, Mike, 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. Once he had finished this demonstration I inverted all of the Youth Crew in their harnesses, which 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 to the topgallant yard (highest yard), which is located on top of the foremast and is approximately 33m above the water. 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 have done extremely well on their first day and I am from the outset impressed with both their individual efforts and team attitude. Tomorrow morning we will depart Newcastle Harbour and shape a course to the South. With a favourable weather forecast this has the makings of a another fantastic voyage. Until tomorrow evening, take care. Yours Aye Captain Gav