Captain's Log
28 May 2004

Whitsunday Islands

Yesterday afternoon YOUNG ENDEAVOUR continued motorsailing in light airs towards the Whitsunday Islands. Shortly after lunch the mythical ‘Bringer of Wind’, Brother Nootsie and his helpers visitedthe ship. Through harnessing the positive energy of the youth crew, the amazing feat of levitation was observed, and the youth crew’s wish of strong winds passed on to the powers that be.A break in the program and the beautiful weather presented an opportunity for the YOUNG ENDEAVOUR pool to open. The magical clear blue waters were enjoyed by many as the ship hove to for a short swim.A pleasant sea breeze in the late afternoon was perfect for a round of demonstrational and rotational tacks. A series of tackswere completed with the youth crew rotating through other watch’s tacking stations and the bridge. The aim of this activity is to show a much broader perspective of how the ship sails, and how the balance of the headsails and the main sail is so important in creating a turning moment for the tack. The final tack was completed just before sunset and for those who watched closely the rare ‘green flash’ brought to a close another fantastic day onboard.Be careful what you wish for, because you may just get it. As night fell the sea breeze died away, and YOUNG ENDEAVOUR made good time towards the Whitsunday Islands. Brother Nootsie however had been busy and by 0400 a strong Southeasterly had materialised making our planned 0700 anchorage almost impossible. With good sea room the decision was made to commence sailing to the east of the WhitsundayIslands, and to make ground towards Scawfell Island.The strong winds and associated seas have seen the resurgence of seasickness in many of the youth crew, several of whom are clipped onto the leeward guardrail as they contribute nutrient matter to the marine life. Some such marine life sighted so far this voyage is a couple of pods of dolphins and several sea-snakes. Chef Mac continues to produce magnificent meals in the galley, but there is significantly more space in the cafe for those who partake in a meal.Thus a quiet morning whilst most youth crew contemplate how much fun they are really having. Like all things though, thisfeeling will soon pass, and I am sure that it won’t be long before they are all back to their normal selves again.Young Endeavour Fact File: YOUNG ENDEAVOUR normally sails with a suite of ten sails, however during strong winds these sails are furled, brailed or clewed (put away) and storm sails rigged. A storm jib forward and a storm trysail aft provide balance and stabilityduring strong winds. These sails have been used sucessfully in winds exceeding 70 knots.Thought of the Day: ‘Even after the heavist storm the birds come out singing, so why can’t we delight in whatever good thing remains to us?’ Rose KennedyYours Aye,Phil GadenLEUT, RANActing Commanding Officer

Latitude/Longitude:

20° 6' South / 149° 17' East

Conditions:

Wind southeasterly at 20-25 knots.