Port Adelaide Day Sail

Hi Everyone,                        Following another early morning wake up call and an Early Morning Activity (EMA) the anchor was weighed at 0655 and we commenced our long pilotage up the Port Adelaide River to the Inner Harbour where we berthed at Dock 2’s, Berth 15 at 0850.Once alongside 11 days of garbage was off loaded and final preparations made for our guests. At 0930 we welcomed 36 Community Day Sail guests onboard, including guests from Brain Injury South Australia, Defence Reserve Support, Commanding Officer NHQSA CMDR Andrew Burnett and a number of Staff Crew Guests. At 1000 the lines were cast off and once clear of our berth and back in the river we set some fore & aft sail and in very warm conditions sailed down the Port Adelaide River. During the three hours that followed our guests got to see the Youth Crew in action as they climbed aloft, set and furled sails and tacked the ship. They also got to enjoy some of Chef Zac’s amazing food which was served by our ever attentive Youth Crew.  As normal the 3hrs passes far too quickly and before we knew it the time was 1300 and we were back alongside again at our berth.Once we had farewelled our guests the Youth Crew proceeded ashore with their Watch Leaders to some local Port Adelaide cafes for their end of voyage talks. By 1600 everyone was back onboard and following a quick brief we departed our berth and proceeded back out of the Adelaide River to our anchorage in Largs Bay where we came safely to anchor at 1745. During our pilotage out of the river the Youth Crew proceeded aloft and completed at good set of harbour furls (very neat sail furls).Dinner followed with all of us enjoying Chef Zac’s world famous pizza’s which were served up on deck. Once we had cleaned up from dinner the Youth Crew adjourned to the café and completed 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 own ‘end of voyage’ debriefs.With these tasks complete, at dusk we commenced a photo slide show up on deck capturing 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 the opportunity to reflect on the past 11 days and their amazing experiences throughout the voyage.Tomorrow morning we will weigh anchor early and again conduct our long pilotage up the Port Adelaide River but this time will pass through Bascule Bridge and berth for the final time for this voyage at Port Adelaide’s McLaren Wharf at 1000 where I am sure that we will be welcomed by a large group of family and friends.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 04/18 as they depart the ship.This has been another great voyage and I would like to thank all of the Youth Crew for the tremendous effort that you have put in over the past 11 days. You are a wonderful group of young Australians and all of the Staff Crew of Young Endeavour 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. It has great to be back as the Relief Captain for this voyage and I look forward to joining the ship again in Melbourne in late March for Voyage 07/18. Young Endeavour will remain alongside in Port Adelaide until Saturday 24th February when she will embark the Youth Crew of Voyage 05/18 who will sail the ship to Hobart.  Until my next Voyage, take care.Yours AyeCaptain Gav