Keswick Island Anchorage

Hi Everyone,                     Welcome to day 10 and the final night of our voyage. It was another warm and clear morning that greeted our Youth Crew as they rolled out of their bunks at 0630 for another one of Sail Master James early morning activities.Whilst this was occuring the rest of the Staffies weighed anchor then took Young Endeavour through the Egremont Pass, which is the narrow stretch of water between Keswick and St Bees Islands. Once safely through the pass we shaped a course for Mackay then conducted the 15nm passage across to Mackay where we berthed starboard side to the Mackay Marina Super Yacht Berth at 0900. Once safely alongside we off loaded 10 days of garbage then cleaned ship in preparation for our Half Day Sail Guests.At 0950 we welcomed 30 Community Day Sail guests onboard from Mackay’s Lifestyle Choices and Engedi Disability Services. Also joining us for this sail was the Mayor of Mackay Councillor Greg Williamson. At 1010 lines were cast off and we conducted the short pilotage out of the Marina where engines were shut down and the ship brought under sail. During the three hours that followed the Youth Crew did a great job of keeping our guests entertained and everyone enjoyed a wonderful sail in near perfect conditions. At 1215 we conducted our final tack ship then proceed back to our berth at Mackay Marina where we berthed at 1315 and farewelled our guests.This afternoon whilst still alongside the Youth Crew proceeded ashore with their respective Watch Leaders for end of voyage talks then on their return proceeded aloft to complete harbour furls on the squares (very neat furls). Once completed, we departed our berth and headed back to Keswick Island where we berthed in a nice little cove on the southern side of the Island at 1830. During this passage over to Keswick Island we enjoy a wonderful pizza dinner cooked by our amazing Chef Keely and served up on deck.Once safely at anchor we all  mustered up on deck to watch a slide show that the Youth Crew had put together which captured various moments and experiences during the voyage. This slide show has become a popular part of the Young Endeavour Program and gives the Youth Crew an opportunity to reflect on the past 10 days and their amazing experiences throughout the voyage.The rest of this evening has been spent with the Youth Crew completing end of voyage questionnaires and “letters to themselves”, which are returned to each Youth Crew member six months after voyage completion. Whilst the Youth Crew were completing these final administration tasks the Staff Crew took the opportunity to conduct our normal end of voyage debrief.Tomorrow morning we will start our final day with an early morning activity. Following breakfast and morning brief the anchor will be weighed and once the Youth Crew have manned the yards we will proceed alongside berthing for the final time for this voyage at the Mackay Marina at 1000.Once alongside family and friends will be invited onboard for a tour of the ship and to witness my final address and the presentation of Certificates of Achievement to all of the Youth Crew. Following this presentation we will say our final emotional farewell to the Youth Crew of Voyage 11/17 as they depart the ship.On a personal note, I would like to thank all of the Youth Crew of Voyage 11/17 for the effort that you have put in throughout this voyage and wish you all the very best for the future.Tomorrow I will hand the Ship back to Captain Mike who returns from a well earned break to sail the ship back to Brisbane.Young Endeavour will be alongside in Mackay until Saturday 16th September when we will embark our next Youth Crew who will sail the ship back to Brisbane.  Please find below a beautiful poem written by Jasmine Price about the voyage  Until my next Voyage, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Gav     V11/17 Poem by Jasmine Pierce We have left behind the city,In its sprawling concrete mess,In favour of waves that froth and gurgle, Land that cuts and weaves to the WestWe have abandoned plain old window views, For a moon that glows an orange-red, For the gentle knock of water, ‘Gainst the ship that put us to the testWe have packed our bags and said goodbye, To familiar places and to friends, For the chance to make new mates, And room to stretch our legsThe first night of the voyage,Had us throwing up our guts,A sorry lot of Musto jackets,Curled up on night-watchThen came the waves that smacked us about, The rain that drenched us sodden, Tides that bounced the bow of the ship, Shaking the 12-berth cabinBut no wind or rain could hold us back,From furling an’ tacking on deck,There was always time for shouts of ‘Bay Watch!’And renditions of Les Mis from Harry and EvAt lady Musgrove we patted turtles,And swam over coral pink, blue and green, Then at Great Keppel, we bounced on sandbags, And saw some of the bluest waters to ever be seenHighlights included climbing aloft,Fears conquered by shaking hands,The inside jokes – Marissa the bully,Fynn and Mitch’s bromance, Steve an’ Allen, and the Manliest ManOver beach games, dinners, watches and cards, We bonded as a team, Until ready for our Command Day, She sailed like a dream!Music and acting brought much joy to the trip, Salty and Nanna were best dressed, The Staffies’ performance starring Allen the strange, Had us equally disturbed and impressedA great big thanks to everyone onboard,For their compassion, humour and hard work, Watch leaders, Keely, Baggas the legend, And Captain Gav with his inspiring words.