CLIENT: Silkwood School
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20190429
FROM: Manly To: Manly
DATE: 29 April 2019
POSITION: Tangalooma
REPORT BY: Blue Watch
15 Silkwood sailors arrived at Manly Harbour with a mix of trepidation and excitement. When they arrived at the jetty, they were greeted with smiles by the crew of the South Passage. They were sorted into watch groups and were given a brief orientation of the ship. Having had little experience at sea, the young sailors set about learning the basics of the rigging.
Fairly soon, the ship was at full sail, at a strong 10-15 degree angle, whipping along at 12 knots across the ocean, which was exhilarating and terrifying at times! After tacking several times, one of the sails got stuck and needed attention. At the time the crew were attempting to reef the foresail in order to sail with the best control and speed. Once the sail had been successfully reduced, the voyage became much smoother and everyone began to relax up on deck.
Eventually we arrived in Tangalooma on Moorgumpin (Moreton Island) and began to prepare to drop the sails. After the sails had been lowered, the young sailors enjoyed a fun knot tying competition. Each watch group was called up to present their knot tying skills in a race. At the end the red watch group were victors.
Then we were presented with dinner – an assorted range of meat and vego foods, followed by dessert – apple pie and custard. Then everyone had some chill-out time above and below deck, playing Uno, talking and reflecting on the day.