Day 5 – Coral Sea

Ahoy there everyone, Overnight the ship remained at anchor in Trial Bay, South West Rocks. Just after the sun crested the horizon the Youth Crew were energetically conducting their Early Morning Activity on the upper deck. After a refreshing fruit platter it was all hands to cleaning stations (Happy Hour) were Young Endeavour received her daily polish and shine. Once completed the ceremony of colours was conducted at 0800 by raising both the national flag and the white ensign while singing the national anthem. Then during morning brief it was announced that the 19th September was international talk like a pirate day, so for the remainder of the day there was plenty of pirate attitude echoing along the decks and passageways. After morning brief Sail Master Taffy opened the Young Endeavour pool enabling all willing adventurers the opportunity to swing from the course yard arm rope or plunge from the bowsprit into the clear waters of the bay. The invigorating water temperature did not dampen the enthusiasm as the Youth Crew executed some commendable acrobatic pirouettes, somersaults and water entries.The morning plunge had sharpened the appetite of all, but Chef Snowy was equal to the task and provided a late breakfast feast cooking egg and bacon rolls on the upper deck BBQ, ensuring that energy levels and morale were kept at a high level as each crew member exited the water. Next Sail Master Taffy conducted a square sail brief for the Youth Crew, with this new knowledge we were able to weigh and sail away from our anchorage by utilising both our Topsail and Topgallant. We waved farewell to Trail Bay and her historic gaol before once again commencing our passage south in light SE winds and two metre southerly swell under fore and aft sails.After a magnificent lunch from Chef Snowy, Engineer Josh commenced round three of ���rope races’, which saw the non disappear from the non-competitive title as the watches gained confidence in the lay out and terminology of the ship. The remainder of the afternoon was spent either on watch or challenging themselves by once again proceeding aloft on the foremast, pushing their mental and physical barriers to achieve personal goals, build confidence and develop inner strength, determination and drive. The afternoon culminated with rotational tacks where the ship was tacked successively enabling each watch to rotate through each of the ships tacking stations in order to gain a broader knowledge base and exposure to this important and manpower intensive evolution. To sustain the Youth Crew work rate and morale, Sensei Chef Snowy once again served up a truly inspirational Sunday roast extravaganza with the help of his three apprentice master chefs (galley hands), this was followed by his famous ���kryptonite’ chocolate mousse rumoured to even stop the Captain in his tracks!It has been another extremely busy and rewarding day for the Youth Crew. With the weather abating conducive to a more comfortable nights sleep for all either side of a four hour bridge watch. Overnight the Youth Crew watches will be challenged with a ���Bear Exercise’ by completing an unfamiliar team orientated task with limited instruction in a set time, developing various methods of communication, leadership and teamwork skills. The navigation intention is to continue motor sailing south west overnight utilising the East Australian Current to bring us to Port Stephens and Nelson Bay during the forenoon when the next phase of the adventure that is Young Endeavour will commence. Until tomorrow evening.Yours ayeCaptain Damien