Knots, bends and hitches

Overnight the watches were very busy completing their programmed activities. Each watch climbed aloft to the T’Gallant yard and practised casting loose and securing gaskets. Once back on deck, they worked on perfecting the basic knots, bends and hitches used onboard. It was a steep learning curve but all hands performed well and participated fully.At 06:30 all hands were piped on deck for some early morning activity. Because the upperdeck was wet and slippery, the usual jog was replaced by a brisk walk designed to get the blood circulating. This was followed by an activity designed to help the Youth Crew learn each other’s names. At 08:00 all hands were mustered aft for colours. Morning brief immediately followed and XO Chooka described the plan for the day. Chef Stoney and Engineer Stewy each briefed the Youth Crew on their respective parts-of-ship and made sure that all hands are aware of the need to use fresh water sparingly. Salty sea dog Lukish described the nautical origins of an everyday phrase which had everyone sagely nodding their heads in understanding. After morning brief ‘Captain Safety’ and his lovely assistant Miss EPIRB briefed the Youth Crew on how and when to use all of the different pieces of safety equipment onboard.The watch leaders then took their watches through the correct method of line handling and deck safety. There are specific ways of handling different lines and it is absolutely vital that the Youth Crew understand what is required of them. YOUNG ENDEAVOUR weighed anchor and sailed at 13:30 and immediately commenced setting and furling drills. This covered the square sails as well as the fore-and-aft sails and lasted until 17:30. The last whole ship activity of the day was tacking drills. If it becomes necessary to call all hands on deck tonight in order to tack the ship, it is important that the Youth Crew have some experience at this and understand what isexpected of them. At 18:30, two watches laid below for a well earned supper, while the watch-on- deck ensured that the upper deck was properly secured for sea. It has been a very busy day and the Youth Crew are starting to feel the effects of night watches and seasickness. There are several green faces lingering near the Ship’s side, and already two of them have fed the dolphins from the lofty heights of the T’Gallant yard. Despite this, there are lots of smiles on deck and below and all hands are having fun.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Fact File: The Youth Crew are divided into three eight-person watches named red, white and blue. Each day, one member of each watch is assigned to galley duty as a ‘Dish Pig’ to assist the Chef in preparing meals. The Ship follows a one in three watch rotation with the 24 hours of the day divided into seven different watches. In addition to the daily activities, each watch can expect to stand at least four hours on watch during the night.YOUNG ENDEAVOUR Glossary: Gaskets- short lengths of line used to secure sails to a yard, mast or other spar. Tackle- a series of blocks (pulleys) with line rove through them designed to provide a mechanical advantage. Tackles are used to set, furl and trim sails, as well as many other roles.Thought of the Day: To know what is imprenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty…this knowledge; this feeling is at the centre of true religiousness. Albert Einstein.Yours, AyeJohn CowanLCDR, RAN