Day 8 – Heron Island
Ahoy there everyone,Overnight the ship sailed north paralleling the Capricorn Island Group until the wind dropped out early morning and the ship was required to motor sail the remaining distance to Heron Island. At 0700 all hands not on watch was roused by Sail Master Kristy to a stunning day albeit with no wind and water like glass. There was no time for rest as it was straight into Captains setting and furling drills where I assessed each watch conducting sail work without their Watch Leaders. 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 this task sails without their Watch Leaders, displaying high standards of teamwork, communication, knowledge and safety. With all drills successfully completed all sails were handed in and the ship proceeded directly to anchor in the lee Wistari Reef opposite Heron Island where the morning brief and happy hour was conducted. After lunch the Youth Crew were transferred ashore in the ships sea boats to tour the University of Queensland Heron Island Research Station. The opportunity was also taken to explore the island and surrounding pristine waters before returning to the ship for a teak deck BBQ cooked by the Youth Crew. Command Day elections were then conducted in preparation for handing the ship over to the Youth Crew for 24 hours commencing 1300 Friday 16 Sep 11 under the command of Youth Captain Claudia. To complete the evening a special movie was screened, 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 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 eight 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. Until tomorrow evening when you will read the exploits of the ship from Youth Captain Claudia, take care. Yours Aye Captain Damien Message from Chris:Happy Birthday Mum. I hope that you have had a fantastic day. Thinking of you. Lots of love Chris.
Latitude/Longitude:
Conditions:
2200 at anchor - weather clear skies, wind NE 6 knots, swell E 0.25 metre, temperature 20 degrees, barometer 1022 hpa
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Thank you Tarvi, Kaeden and Matt for your narrative of today's events. Intentions are to remain at anchor in Hunters Bay, just off HMAS Penguin, home of the RAN Diving School, a place close to my heart, having spent many a day there under training as a young Officer! The plan is to weigh anchor and proceed to HMAS Waterhen, in Waverton, to pick up our Community Day Sailors from the Windgap Foundation and take them for a sail around the harbour for 3 hours. The Youth Crew will help us host our visitors and give them an experience of Young Endeavour. We will drop them back to Waverton and then proceed to anchor in the harbour where we will have a good view of the Bridge and the Opera House for the Youth Crew's last night onboard. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike