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Wilderness
Hi Everyone,Welcome to day seven of our voyage. Our first night in a sheltered anchorage was a glorious change from the last 5 nights at sea. Everyone slept soundly and there was a definite spring in everyone’s step when Guv woke us at 0645 and got us up on deck and walking around. He then gave us the news that the EMA was going to be a swim and the first opportunity for the new crew to test out the rope swing. The water temp was fresh and ‘invigorating’ but it was worth it to get to use the rope swing. Most of the crew had a dip. Once the ‘big pool’ was closed we had bread rolls, freshly baked by Marcus, with bacon and eggs on deck, cooked on the BBQ for breakfast.At 0800 we held the traditional ceremony of Colours, during which the Australian National Flag, at the bow, and the Australian White Ensign, at the stern, are raised in unison, after eight bells on the Ship’s bell followed by the ‘Still’ blown on the Bosun’s Call. The ceremony is concluded with the piping of the ‘Carry-on’ on the Bosun’s Call. We also sang the national anthem as the flags were hoisted. This was followed by the Morning Brief. While the crew got on with Happy Hour the Staffies weighed anchor and piloted the Ship into the channel just out of Bramble Cove, where Brett, the engineer, and I conducted ‘Captain’s Setting and Furling, which is a competency assessment of the Watches’ ability to undertake these activities safely and to the standard required to be able to progress to Command Day. I am pleased to say that all three watches were at a very high standard.The Ship then undertook the passage towards Bathurst Harbour, skilfully piloted by Navigator Evan and supported by Watch Officer Harry. About half way towards Bathurst Harbour we anchored the Ship in the bay west of Joan Point. Lunch had been enjoyed during the passage as the watches rotated through the café. The breathtaking scenery along the passage was enjoyed by all on the upper decks.Once secured at anchor we put the two Ship’s boats in the water and ferried the crew the remaining distance to Bathurst Harbour. Each watch were dropped ashore on a small wharf at Clayton’s Corner for a leg stretch to climb to a small nearby peak for a photo op of the Harbour. All of the watches were back onboard by 1800 to enjoy another of Marcus’ fabulous meals. This time we had a choice of chillied pork-belly or macadamia nut encrusted baked lamb backstrap. This was followed up by a tiramisu dessert. Just what we needed after many hours on the water today!After dinner I conducted the Command Day Brief which was followed by Command Day Elections. On completion Youth Captain Ash Mills visited me and gave me the results of the elections. It is planned that we will remain at anchor overnight, weighing and getting underway at 0800 tomorrow. I will hand control of the Ship to Captain Ash at 1300 tomorrow for 24 hours.Until tomorrow,Yours ayeCaptain Mike
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
Weather - fine, Wind - westerly at 5 kn, Swell - nil, Temp - 16 deg. C
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Hi Everyone, Welcome to Day 8 of our voyage and Command Day. Thankfully the weather improved overnight and a well rested Youth Crew awoke to a beautiful Tasmanian morning with clear skies. Following Morning Brief I conducted Captain Setting and Furling Drills which is our final activity leading up to the Youth Crew taking command of the ship and I am pleased to announce that all watches passed with flying colours. Once completed, the Youth Crew Command Team were given 30 minutes with the Staff Crew so that they could ask questions that may assist them in their elected positions throughout their Command period. Once finished we rigged the rope swing and gave everyone a chance to have a swim in the cool (some would say cold) clear water of Prosser Bay. At 1300 this afternoon we all gather at midships and I handed over the Command Day instructions and the ‘telescope of challenge’ to Youth Crew Captain Paige which officially commenced the exciting 24hr Command Day period. One of the many tasks for Command Day is the writing of the Captains Log so here is tonight’s edition written by Captain Paige. Until tomorrow, take care. Captain GavHello all, Today’s events were very exciting for all youth crew, as today is the day the staff hand over the ship and let the youthies take control. The day for us youthies started by the staff woke us all up to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marring Aye and Timmi Terrell through the main broad cast. We then had a scrumptious breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, cereal, yogurt and toast. Which was provided to us by the amazing Haydo and the master chef’s Tiff, Jasper and Jack. Breakfast was followed by morning brief where we are informed of the weather conditions, the Captain always provides us with an inspirational daily quote, and what the daily plan is going to look like. Once morning brief was wrapped up red and white watch performed happy hour while blue watch performed the Captains setting and furling. This allows the staff crew to insure all the youthies are safe and capable to take command of the ship. Once all the watches rotated though performing the Captains setting and furling the elected youth crew sat down and conducted opposites which is where the staff command team discus with the youth crew the best way to go about performing the roles they are taking over for the 24 hour period. Since it was such a nice day the staff decided we do Swimex which is where staff and youth crew that are brave enough to conure the cold water temperatures of Tassie are allowed a short period of time to have some water fun this includes jumping off the rope swing, using the Lilly pad which is a large foam mat jumping off the side of the boat and the bow sprit. When the Swimex came of a close it was time for lunch which was pasta bake, Bolognese, lamb and Pork chops, cheese and garlic breads which were freshly made that morning by Haydo. Hand over to youth crew was conducted at 1300. During the 24hrs that the youth crew have control of the ship the staff go on holiday down stairs where they have access to a bowling alley, cinema, and Maddie opens the heated swimming pool along with other amazing facilities. Part of hand over the Captain, what given a sheet of 30 tasks that we need to perform as many as we can throughout the period of time we are given. The first task was to assemble a row boat team to row to shore to acquire the navigation instructions, other tasks includes creating a rope hammock that will support all the youth crew at once, Theresa’s knot tying challenge and many more exciting and challenging things. Once the navigator marked out waypoints we weighed anchor and set sail though Mercury Passage. We are now carrying out night watches and on our way to the next anchoring spot which is unknown as of the moment. Until the next log update Yours truly Captain Paige
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