Day 2 – Departures

Sandy woke everyone up at 0630 this morning for an Early Morning Activity (EMA). This involved a brisk walk around the deck which was lovely, before conducting a little ice-breaker activity by introducing ourselves and our favourite thing. The sun was coming up, it was a great start to the day. Breakfast was had and then the Naval tradition of ‘Colours’ was conducted at 0800. We hoisted our colours (flags) and sung the National Anthem with great gusto, then had our first morning brief. Sandy spoke of the plan for the day and several special guests, laid down a few more ground rules. Namely: Lindsey rapping on things engineering, water conservation (90 second showers!) and the ‘ins and outs’ of our all important plumbing. Aaron also broke his world down (ie. How not to make enemies with the chef). ‘Saltress the sea-dog’ (Paige), whose job it is to explain the nautical origin of expressions in common use, spun a tale or two. On completion of the brief it was straight into cleaning stations (lovingly referred to as, ‘Happy Hour’. Ask the Youth Crew (YC) to sing the theme song when they get home!). Captain Safety (aka Sandy), paid us a visit and gave a very detailed presentation on items of safety and survival equipment held onboard. We were then visited by the frozen goods fairy who helped us pack our freezer full of yummy meat, ice cream and zooper doopersâ„¢. Feeling generous, we let the YC stop for lunch and have a chill before the Watch Leaders launched into deck safety and setting/furling drills. At 1530 with the tide being sufficient for us to leave, we cast off all lines and proceeded out into the wild blue yonder. The YC set the Mainsail and continued setting and furling the Staysails, as we made ground to the north of Hook Island. After dinner (it was very good thankyou), with the Jib, Fore staysail, Main staysail and Mainsail set, the ship closed up at taking stations. A couple of cheeky tacks were conducted to prove the capabilities of the YC – Every person has a specific job during tacking stations thus all hands are required. Confident in knowing that the crew is capable of safely tacking the ship, the off-watch YC were stood down and Blue watch, took up their station on the bridge and settled in to their 4 hour Sea Watch. These will be maintained 24-7 whilst at sea, during which time they will keep the Ship safe performing duties such as helmsman, lookout and conducting below deck engineering rounds. What a cracker of a day! I have to say that I am very impressed with the YC thus far. They put in a long and hard days work, and showed some much improved sailing skills. These puppies are well on their way to becoming salty sea dogs. On a sad note however, we bade farewell to one of our YC members this afternoon. Unfortunately, for personal reasons Morgan felt that she could not continue with the voyage. We wish her the best in her future endeavours. Until tomorrow, Yours Aye Captain Adam Golden Nugget: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t… you’re right!” – Henry Ford