What a Day!

Do not spoil what you have, by desiring for what you have not, remember that what you now have was once among the things that you only hoped for Epircurus Ahoy there everyone, Wow what a day, sometimes even I am amazed at what we can fit into one day onboard this ship. The ship was as sea overnight and my instructions to the Watch Officers and Watch Leaders was to maximise the time with Navigation training, Sail handling and Sail trim theory. Judging by the amount of times I was called during the night there was no rest for the wicked and each watch set and furled the sails continuously while consolidating their nav training all night long. The next challenge for the watches was to pass Captains setting and furling which is a little exercise that we do onboard to ensure they are safe to set and furl the sails by themselves. We started at 0715 and the final watch finished at 0830 which was quite an effort. On completion I ordered the watches to take in all sail and then to muster at midships. Once they were all mustered I had the joy of informing the crew that they had all reached Phase 2 of climbing and can now lay aloft without their Watch Leaders. I then set a Captains Challenge that they were get the ship under a full press of sail in 1 hour. For the challenge I threw it open to them on how they would achieve the challenge and who would take charge. As I watched the team come together and then set to work a surge of pride in the Youth of Australia came forth. With young adults like these, Australia can only be bound for a bright future. After the Captains challenge and we had re-arranged the sail plan for the required Nav plan, I sent the watches to lunch and the Staffies had a quick staff brief. On completion of Lunch we conducted a quick Man overboard exercise so we all know what is required should such an incident eventuate. We then proceeded to an amazing anchorage that the Nav (Tim) found for us, just to the North of Kent Island. Once at anchor everyone went aloft to put sea furls on the sails and get the ship ready for the night at anchor. Once everyone was down from the foremast the next round of rope races kicked into gear. The bonus round was especially good today but I cant let the cat out of the bag on that one. I then called the crew together to talk to them about command day. Tomorrow the Youth Crew takes charge of the ship for 24 hours and tonight they get to elect their command team. It’s a big step for the crew and a culmination of all the skills we have taught them so far onboard. While I was chatting with the crew Watch Officer Rick was cooking up a storm on the BBQ and after my chat and a quick climb to take some photos of the sunset everyone enjoyed a good feast. Elections are occurring right now and on completion we plan to show the Crew a little ditty about the days of old. Following that the Nav Tim will take those keen young Nav’s through a brief lesson on Astro Navigation, then and only then can this well worked Youth Crew turn in for the night. Tomorrow night the Youth Captain will be posting their own update so until I next have the chance Auf Wiedersehen… CAPT Matt There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself – an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly Antisthenes