Wakey Wakey!!

Overnight we made good progress South towards Twofold Bay.The wind stayed out of the Nor’ East and allowed us to carry nine sails. The watches were busy learning all the different lines onboard and how to steer a Brigantine.At wakey wakey, all hands were called to tacking stations in order to wear ship. There were some tired and green faces making an appearance but all hands turned to and completed the manoeuvre in good time. At morning brief Salty Sea Dog Lukish once again regaled us with the nautical origins of some everyday sayings. The Youth Crew have made several requests for explanations of nautical terms which he has promised to reveal in the coming days. Engineer Stewy made a huge haul with his scran bag. Only one of the Youth Crew escaped having gear found sculling, and the resulting choir practise was very entertaining … to say the least. Happy hour followed morning brief, which in turn was followed by morning tea. Because of the number of green faces there was extra cake for all who wanted it.The first episode of rope races was led by Engineer Stewy.This had the Youth Crew scrambling around the upperdeck trying to identify various bits of equipment and fitted gear. Red watch have taken the lead, but there is still to early to predict who will be the final winner. Despite the outstanding quality of lunch, Chef Stony had to face a half empty cafe. Never fear, those who did partake ate enough to put a smile on his face. The one activity of the afternoon was the Navigation lecture by Bullet. He dusted off his chicken bones and unravelled the secrets of his black art. The rest of the afternoon was free time. Most of the Youth Crew not on watch caught up on some missed sleep, but a few intrepid souls took in the sights and sounds on deck. By the time supper was piped, it was evident that most people have found their sea legs and benefited from the day’s slow pace.We have reduced sail so that we will arrive at Twofold Bay as planned. Overnight all hands will be piped to tacking stations as we shape a course to close the shore. The watches will be busy as the Youth Crew continue to learn more about the Ship. YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Ship has a suite of thirteen sails to choose from. These range from the Drifter (142 sq metres) which is used for very light wind conditions, to the Storm tri-sail(36 sq metres) used in heavy weather. The most number of sails thatthe Ship has ever carried at one time is eleven. All sails arecommercially made from Dacron, a modern sailcloth that is strong,durable and easy to handle.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Tack- To change direction of the Ship by turning the bow through the wind, so that the wind passes from one side of the bow to the other. Wear- The manoeuvre by which the stern of the Ship is moved through the direction from which the wind is blowing. Opposite to tacking.Thought of the Day: Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. You must be able to sustain yourself against staggering blows. There is no code of conduct for beginners. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.Sophia Loren.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RAN