Young Endeavour Visits Rye

Situation at 20:00- It was a very quiet night at anchor last night. We were nicely tucked into the lee of Rye in calm seas and light winds. Today’s activities started off when all hands were piped on deck at 06:30. An easy jog around the upper decks helped to shake the cobwebsout and after a few deck games the Youth Crew laid below for breakfast and showers.At morning brief, Salty SeaDog Lolli had everyone in stitches with her interpretation of the sea-going origins of several everydayphrases. A particularly well explained phrase was the one that dealt with the effect of cold weather on dissimiliar metals. Engineer Stewy was very impressed with the small harvest he was able to find for his scran bag of gear left sculling. Happy hour had a special theme today…Brasso Day. Once all the brass was gleaming and the rest of the Ship was clean the Youth Crew had a Staff Mess Disco. It isamazing how many people can fit into such a tiny space. After morning tea it was time for the third installment of rope races. The Blueies and Whities are still tied and the competition is starting to heat up as the voyage progresses.At 10:30 the Youth Crew were ferried ashore to the Beach at Rye. Before long they were enjoying a game of touch footy and thechance to stretch their legs. Chef Polly brought a picnic lunch ashore for all hands to enjoy. The rate of mobile phone usage in the Rye area went through the roof after XO Chooka passed out the Youth Crew’s phones. After lunch they were able to descend upon the local shops and stock up lollies for the rest of the voyage. The Rye Primary School had requested that someone from the Ship visit the School and talk about YOUNG ENDEAVOUR to the grade five and six students. Captain John, along with Youth Crew members Babs and Russ were welcomed to the School and introduced to 100 assembled students. After a brief explanation of the history and role of YOUNG ENDEAVOUR, the floor was open for questions. It was a real pleasure for us to meet the students of Rye Primary, they are a terrific group full ofcuriosity and imagination. Thanks to Mr. Robertson and all the children who made us feel welcome. Also a big BZ (Navy speak for well done) to Babs and Russ for representing the Ship and the Youth Crewso well. Once all hands were assembled back at the beach, XO Chooka went through the theory of how to sail to and from an anchorage. This lecture was very well timed because that is exactly what happened assoon as everyone was back onboard. We weighed anchor at 16:30 and shaped a course to take us further North into Port Philip Bay.Overnight the watches will complete a major teamwork exercise. The aim will be to complete a relatively complex task,highlighting the need for tolerance, cooperation and effective communication when working in a group setting. This is an important step leading up to command day, and should prove valuable to all hands. As we work our way through the confined waters of Port Philip Bay, we will likely need to tack during the morning watch.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Ship is fitted with two brass saluting guns cast at the Royal Ordance factory at Nottingham. Theyfire a 12 gauge blank shell, and are used for ceremonial saluting and fighting off Pirates.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Crane- The fastening between the middle of a yard and its mast, which supports the yard and allows it to be raised up the mast by its halyard. Halyard- A rope or wire line, sometimes with a chain tackle attached, used for hoisting and lowering sails, yards and flags.Thought of the Day: When I call to mind my earliest impressions, I wonder whether the process ordinarily referred to as growing up is not actually a process of growing down, whether experience, so much touted among adults as the thing children lack, is not actually a progressive dilution of the essentials by the trivialities of living. Aldo Leoplod.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RAN