YC Captain Matt reports

Situation at 22:00Overnight the wind dropped off and we were able to sleep with ease in a bay that resembled the turbulance of an empty swimming pool. The youth command crew diligently went about the business of plotting waypoints and working out various plans of attack depending on wind conditions. The Beach Attack Team (BAT) were using local intelligence to organise a boat to tow them from Young Endeavour to the shores of Anderson Bay. Early responses for the BAT crew were positive but as the night wore on we learnt that the expected boat had been lost and that the BAT members may indeed have to row ashore.This morning at 08:00 Captain John performed a short ceremony where by he handed over the captain’s telescope signifying that the captaincy of the Young Endeavour had passed to the elected youth crew member Captain Matt. The youth crew XO Scotty then briefed the crew as to the day’s order of events. We had our own Salty Sea Kitten Alicia today, to regale us with her sea story.It was not at all surprising to see her assistant dressed up as a woman AGAIN. At 08:30 the YC were briefed by Captain John as he explained an amended schedule for the Youth crew to achieve, as once again our old friend the radar was on the blink. This meant that we were to make the dash for Devonport and to try and arrive there by 20:00 tonight. After the brief the BAT strike force embarked on their gruelling voyage to the shores of Tasmania. Fortunately the father of one BAT member was able to assist them by towing them to shore. I’m sure the 5 metre paddle to and from the ship was exhausting. After arriving on the beach Shell’s local knowledge once again came to the fore and we had 43 people including 2 dogs assembled together to sing the national anthem at 09:45. After expending lots of energy at happy hour and/or participating in BAT exercises, the Youth Crew were able to top up at morning tea compliments of Chef Stony’s baking and YC chefs supplying. Roughly at 10:30 the YC were ready to weigh anchor. The plan of sailing from anchor was accounted for by the CO and XO but unfortunately the wind still had not shown up and we were on a tight schedule dashing for Devonport. The steel wind was warmed up and we were under way, with the youth crew in control of motor-sailing our way to Devonport. The forenoon was finished off with Burly Bunch on watch and an excited YC.After a lovely lunch prepared by the YC chefs we continued to set sails as required. Even with a shortened time limit on command day we were still able to pass through 6 of the 12 waypoints on our way to Devonport. I was approached by our navigators at 15:30 and asked whether we should keep heading for Devonport or try for some way points that were close by yet on a different tack. As captain I decided that to gain the most out of the day it would be better to tack and take in some extra waypoints. All hands were called to amended tacking stations, engines were cut and we completed a successful tack before engines were brought back on line. Within 15 minutes two waypoints had been passed and much to the disgust of some YC members we were called to tacking stations again to return to a bearing taking us to Devonport. The sky was a magnificent blue as we made our way west past Launceston toward Devonport. We reached our final way point just out of Devonport at 19:30. All sails were furled and/or brailled before the staff crew piloted the Young Endeavour into Devonport and berthed her at her current position.The night’s entertainment had been planned all day and we were given a feast of talent. At 21:00 Pam and Em conducted their own version of rope races in which the Burly Bunch were victorious. Then the horror of all horrors was played out in full for all the youth crew and a few by-standers as the staff performed their concert for the voyage. Needless to say there was plenty of imagination evident. The youth crew responded with their own concert having performances from Burly Bunch, Snapper Watch + Command Crew, and Squid Squad. Em gave us a poem to finish the entertainment. We should have another peaceful night before we have our half day sail on the morrow.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File:Every 10-day voyage on average the following amounts of food are consumed by 36 crew 30 kg seafood, 250 kg meat, 60 kg spuds, 120 l milk, 112 kg fruit, 60 kg assorted vegies, 24 kg flour, 50 kg bread dough, 60 loaves bread all up, 40 kg bacon, 65 l fresh juice.There is a total sail area of 740.6 square metres.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary:Headsails. This includes the jib and the foremast staysail. Act to counter the turning effect of the mainsail, provide considerable drive until blanketed by the lower squares at about 140 degrees abaft the beam.Thought of the Day:What does it mean to have lived? To have done things that we will remember forever, or simply to live our life enjoying each day as it comes? However you live your life you should take pride in yourself and your decisions. Captain Matt.Cheers,Youth Crew Captain Matthew Sawtell.23, SydneyA quick hello to my lovely wife. Miss you and the bump very much and as much as I will regret leaving I will be glad to see you again.