Captain's Log
V05/11
3 May 2011

BROKEN BAY

Ahoy there everyone,Overnight Young Endeavour continued making ground to the south along the New South Wales central coast with a full press of sails set on a broach reach. At sunrise the ship was making good six knots in fresh conditions under an overcast sky. The morning brief was conducted with vigour, then the ship was called to taking stations in order to conduct demonstrational tacks. This enabled each watch the opportunity to stand on the bridge and observe the command and control aspects as the ship was tacked through the wind. These set of tacks consolidated the sail theory and practical deck work instruction gained over the previous six days.Next on the agenda was Captain’s setting and furling drills. These drills are designed to evaluate each watch in their ability to safely set and furl sails without compromising their own or the team’s safety in preparation for Command Day. It was with great satisfaction that each watch successfully completed setting and furling the designated sails without their Watch Leaders, displaying high standards of teamwork, communication, knowledge and safety.All sails were then handed in and the ship anchored in Broken Bay adjacent the small coastal village of Patonga Beach. After lunch the Youth Crew proceeded ashore for a sports afternoon before returning to the ship for a sumptuous BBQ dinner on the upper deck. Next the Youth Crew elected their Command Team in preparation for the following day when they will take control of the ship for 24 hours in the capable hands of Youth Captain Cassandra and her team.To complete the evening a special movie was screened on the upper deck for the Youth Crew, depicting a young man who sailed around Cape Horn in 1929 on one of the last tall ship cargo vessels. Many similarities and comparisons could be drawn 80 years later with our own band of young adventurers. So after another very busy day, the Youth Crew have settled into their anchor watches for the night, hopefully achieving a good night’s rest in anticipation and preparation for tomorrow’s commencement of Command Day.Our last seven days at sea had seen significant developments in the overall journey of our young adventurers. They have progressed enormously both individually and collectively as the voyage continues to gain momentum. Command Day approaches with great anticipation for all. The intention is to remain at anchor overnight prior to weighing in the afternoon for the adventure and challenge that is Command Day in Young Endeavour. Until tomorrow evening when we will read the exploits of Youth Captain Cassandra and her team, take care.Yours ayeCaptain Damien        

Latitude/Longitude:

33°33's / 151°16'e

Conditions:

2300 at anchor Weather overcast, Wind SE 11 knots, Swell nil, Temperature 20 degrees, Barometer 1025 hpa