CLIENT: Gold Youth Voyage
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20240103
FROM: Sydney To: Brisbane
DATE: 5 January 2024
POSITION: Shoal Bay, Port Stephens
REPORT: Red Watch
Today on the 5th of January, red watch had watch hours between 0001 and 0400. We split this up between two groups, the first group was responsible for identifying the three foreign landmarks and taking note of the respective locations for each of these. The second watch group then reassessed the location of each of these. This ensured that we, as a group, could establish whether the ship would drift or rotate in a certain way upon its anchor.
After our designated watch, we were all woken up at 0630 for our cold breakfast. Following this we had our knot competition for the figure-of-eight knot and completed the knot in 21 seconds as a team – continuing our lead in the knot competition. After our victory we elected Holly as our Bosun, and Olivia as her mate.
Today we were responsible for the mainsail. While preparing to sail, the watch team worked together to practise putting backstays up and down. After raising the sail, we left Broken Bay for Port Stephens. Unfortunately, quite a few Red watch members were taken out by a bout of seasickness. However, at sunset, we were rewarded by a pod of playful dolphins following the ship.
Upon entering Port Stephens, we had to perform a gybe to all sails. This involved moving the sails from Port to Starboard, easing the sheets, easing the preventors and transferring the vangs. The final step was to lower the sails, re-tie the gaskets, the snotter and ensure the bridle was replaced on the main sail. After completing all the checks, the Red Watch re-numbered to ensure all members were present and began the wind-down process for Day 3. Overall, a very successful day with lots of new learnings, bonding as a team, and slay-linggggg. Red Watch signing out! Bon Voyage!