CLIENT: General Public Voyage
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20240507
FROM: Manly To: Hervey Bay
DATE: 7 May 2024
POSITION: Tangalooma Roads, Moreton Is
REPORT: White Watch
The dawn broke with a moderate SE’ly breeze and scudding clouds bringing random light showers. Preparations for departure were soon underway with joining passengers, volunteers stepping over the jetty edge and onto the deck and ships stores being passed over and secured.
By 0800 most items had been accounted for and all personnel were onboard were engaged in being given short introductions, safety briefings, use of life jackets and familiarisations. The Captain gave an introductory speech, welcomed everyone onboard and lay out his expectations for the voyage. The Sailing Master gave a safety briefing.
The planned voyage to Harvey Bay commenced at 0900 with the departure from the William Gunn wharf, Manly Boat Harbour. Once underway and clear of the harbour the three watches were given sail hoisting tasks under the eye of their watch leaders and the Sailing Master. The sails were hoisted, and the ship responded to the breeze to everyone’s delight.
Sail handling for newcomers can be a difficult as well as tying specific knots, belaying, and hauling ropes, however with good guidance we undertook several tacking exercises then progressed to gybes. A man-over-board exercise was carried out and its pleasing to report that the flotation buoy was duly recovered with no lasting ill effects.
The decision was made to go into the Tangalooma reefs and drop anchor at the northern end adjacent to the old wrecks. We then enjoyed a few hours break from the sailing; some of the crew went for a swim off the ship whilst others toured the wrecks in the ships inflatable.
Dinner was excellent, capped off with a lovely dessert. Because the ship will depart the anchorage at 2030 tonight, the three deck watches are now preparing for a night sail. Those who will commence duty at midnight are already trying to sleep whilst the other two watches are getting ready for departure.