Day 1 – A successful first day back at sea - Young Endeavour (2024)

Sydney to Newcastle

26 November 2024

Day 3 – Patonga stopover

This daily update is brought to you by Youth Crew members, Danny, Lumi and Om.Overnight was quite windy and rough, and as is often the case, many members unfortunately were sea sick, or what we colloquially refer to as, "feeding the fish". Unsurprisingly, very capable young crew members were able to push on through the treacherous terrain of night sailing, and continue the expedition onwards with full professionalism and responsibility.Then there was a beautiful sunrise and much calmer weather, as we directed our sails towards the beautiful Broken Bay, with it's many towering cliffs. Subsequently, after many nautical manoeuvres done by the crew, the vessel was anchored just off the coast of Patonga Beach. At this point, Sail Master, Tommo, called for a happy hour! And to boost the morale of the exhausted yet determined youth crew, he introduced an ever so charming happy hour song. After singing up a storm, youth crew ever so enthusiastically scrubbed the length and breadth of the entire vessel. Tommo then did his routine inspection of the cleaning work, declaring the ship satisfactory.Thereafter lunch was served, and everyone enjoyed a burrito or some fish, as well as other varieties of fruit and veggie options. Shortly after that, the Young Endevour youth crew had a siesta! which was an hour of free time to unwind, chat, and catch up on necessary sleep.Later on the crew lowered the boats into the water to ensure a safe departure from the ship to the shores of Patonga. Then with life jackets on, small groups mounted into the boats and off to shore to enjoy the 30 degree weather in the water. There was also opportunity to purchase food and drink form the cafe. Some jumped off the wharf and some hung out at the beach.After a few hours on land, it was time to say goodbye to the ground, giving it a big kiss goodbye and back on board the vessel to continue the adventure! When everyone got back from the beach, we had dinner and then did an activity called "three way chats" which allowed the crew to learn more about each person individually.Tonight is the first night we have watched out for an anchored ship! The Navigator taught us what we need to know and we will be conducting anchor watches throughout the night to keep the ship and crew safe.As we write this, nearing the end of the night, the crew notices that the ship is surrounded by Jellyfish! What a sight to behold.Good night.Danny, Lumi and Om.Lat/Long: 33 33.5’S – 151 16.5’EWeather: Cloudy. Wind: Light and variable. Swell: Nil. Seas: Nil. Temp: 22.

Sydney to Newcastle

26 November 2024

Day 2 – Into the Tasman Sea

Ahoy dear readers,The ship remained alongside Sub Base Platypus overnight with the crew waking at 0630 for an energising early morning activity on deck, before devouring breakfast. Morning brief took place at 0800 after the Naval Colours ceremony, where we hoisted our daily suit of colours ie. The Australian National Flag (ANF) and the Australian White Ensign (AWE), and sung the National Athem.At 0830 in relatively benign conditions, we slipped away from Platypus and found an anchorage in the vicinity of Taronga Zoo, in Athol Bay. Once the anchor was secured, Youth Crew turned-to cleaning stations and gave the ship a good old scrub, fore and aft. Happy hour we call it! Once each section was reported as complete, Tommo put on his white gloves and inspected their work, declaring the cleaning satisfactory. Youth Crew then reported to their Watch Leaders and seamanship training resumed.I had some really tasty brisket for lunch, then took a wee siesta. Most of the Youth Crew did something similar. We were then roused at 1300 by the classic, The Safety Dance song, piped through main broadcast, which is Chris' favourite and the theme song for his shipborne safety and survival equipment brief. Youth crew learnt all about our emergency procedures and safety gear. And I'm still tapping my foot!"Anchor aweigh!" they cried and lowered the black ball, signifying our status as underway, ie. not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground. In a fresh breeze (Beaufort 5) we then conducted sail handling drills to the north side of the harbour, mostly in the lee of Cremorne and Kurraba Points. Youth Crew were picking up what their Watch Leaders were putting down, and so after dinner, a course was shaped out of the harbour and into the lumpy, Tasman Sea. The jib, forestaysail, mainstaysail and mainsail were all set, then we commenced tacking drills. Three tacks and a wear (gybe for Tall Ships) were successfully conducted and so with confidence in my shipmates, hands fell out from Tacking Stations and reverted to sea watches. Each watch will have a 4-hour shift overnight, taking responsibility for the safety of the ship, on the helm, lookout and rounds duties. The ship will remain at sea overnight, making ground towards Broken Bay.Stay tuned for more action and adventure tomorrow night.Captain Adam Charlie Farley - Out+

Sydney to Newcastle

26 November 2024

Day 1 – Ahoy there Youth Crew

Ahoy there shipmates, landlubbers and armchair sailors, it was great to meet the Youth Crew of Voyage 06A/24 today alongside Sub Base Platypus, in North Sydney - Cammeraygal Country. Comprising 23 Aussie youth, from NSW, VIC, ACT, QLD and NT, they embarked at 1500 with friends and family in tow, who came to inspect the ship and the staff crew, and to farewell their loved ones for the next 10 days. I told them to rest assured, we would take very good care of their young sailors, as we have a very skilled and experienced staff crew for this voyage... Namely: Sail Master – Tommo. Assistant Sailmaster: Leups. Navigator – Matt. Watch Officers – Karsen and Charlotte. White Watch Leaders – Chris and Matty. Red Watch Leader – Sara. Blue Watch Leader - Bec. Chef – Steve. Engineers - Dan and Simon.On completion of the welcome and crew introductions, we farewelled family and friends, and Watch Leaders kicked off the program with ice breakers and ships' tours. Myself and Tommo then spoke to them about youth crew responsibilities and a few ‘guidelines’ to ensure communal harmony and unconditional positive regard for all. I spoke to them about what to expect over the next 10 days and ways to ensure maximum involvement in the program. Simply, to ‘have a go' was the message.After a lovely dinner by Steve, our resident safety and survival equipment specialist, Chris, demonstrated the safe operation and use of our climbing harnesses. He taught them all about: inspecting said harness, conducting buddy checks and the process for laying aloft. Then it was time, ladies and gents, for our young sea puppies to lay aloft for the very first time. And up the foremast they went, aiming for the topgallant yard, hand over fist, with grit and determination. Each and every one of them pushed themselves as far as they could, and I'm pleased to announce that most made it to the topgallant yard, but those that didn't were extremely brave and went as far as they felt they could... and then a little further. I have to say, I'm very proud of all of them, especially those that had to really dig deep to climb as far as they did. Well done shipmates.Each watch took turns at climbing and those on deck commenced their seamanship training, consisting of line handling and deck safety. Each watch also negotiated Full Value Contracts, articulating agreed collective and individual goals for the voyage, making a pact to support each other in achieving them.Once all youth crew were back on deck, our wonderful young crew turned in for a well deserved nights rest. Intention is to remain alongside overnight, departing Sub Base Platypus in the morning. The adventure has begun... I wonder where we'll be this time tomorrow night?Captain Adam Charlie Farley - Out+