Wind at Last

Hi Everyone, Overnight the winds remained light and variable and we continued to utilise main engines. By morning brief we were located 10nm east of Cape Byron enjoying perfect weather but with little wind. Finally at 0930 the wind started to freshen from the south west, so immediately the ship was brought under full sail and the engines shut down. This was the first time for this voyage that we had been able to utilise the squares (square sails) and the YC finally got to experience some real square rigged sailing. Given these improved conditions our sailing program was given top priority for the day commencing with a very good set of rotational tacks followed closely by demonstrational tacks. Due to the light conditions this exercise took a little longer than usual but the objective of demonstrating a tack from the command team’s perspective was still achieved. To complete the days sailing program I instructed each of the watches on sail theory then held a question and answer period on everything that we had covered throughout the day. Overnight the watches will complete mid voyage talks and continue to consolidate their sailing skills in preparation for the fast approaching Command Day.Please find attached Captains Log entries from some of the Youth Crew. Until tomorrow, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Gav Captains Log V05/09Arrrrggg! ahoy there! I like the cut of your jib, fine lines fore an aft. This is the youth crew speaking, white watch in particular (Ally, Caitlin, Matty, Georgia, Peaches, Justin, Brish and Richard). Today we practiced tacking the ship. It took all the youth crew and we did it seven times all up and we are very tired. Luckily the chef makes delicious food to fill our bellies so we can rock ourselves to sleep. Our next watch is at 4am. Currently the conditions have not given us much wind (which you need for sailing) but we did pray to brother nutzi and performed a ritual which ended in being rather wet. We all now have our sea legs, some of us have eaten whole bananas and apples and we still climb the mast every day! Tomorrow we are planning to get to north Stradbroke island and anchor there overnight so feel free to grab your binoculars and give us a wave!! Ally Says: ��� Ahoy anyone who is following our journey, yes I was seasick, dad you were wrong. Thank you Anita for the watch I am the only one that knows the time! To my work, the rubber dinosaur would have been of no use I needed sea sick bags instead. Stu, you would be very proud I climbed to the top mast and didn’t cry and I get to sleep every night with a lullabub! Hi Mum, you would not like climbing the mast! Good night, See you soon!!Georgia says: Sup. Having an absolutely amazing time so far and have met so many great people. Highlights so far have to include getting my sealegs (I was only sick once Mum and Dad!), anchoring at Trial Bay, having a swim in the middle of the sea, and realising my little fear of heights while at the top of the mast. Ahoy there Grandma! Thanks for everything, and hope the world hasn’t fallen apart without me! Love love love Georgia Peaches (owen) says Hi to all out West, and yes we agree he is definitely an individual! Matty says: Ahoy everyone in Mount Isa and especially everyone at the OVERLANDER, the place to be, miss you all, and especially me good friend norm. The first few days were crap but it has just gotten better, cant tell you whether I have gotten sea sick as it will probably end up in a bet back home, so I cant spill the beans now hay��_��_Caitlin says: Ahoy there! Sea legs have been found, pirate lingo is improving and I’m having a great time aboard. Looking forward to taking over the ship completely on command day! See you all soon. xoRichard. Today I found one of the more enjoyable days with sail theory at night demonstrational and rotational tacks teamwork style and lots and lots fun so id just like 2 tell u captn gav thank you very much for this experience ive never done anything like this in my life and I loved it thank you for the opportunity .