CLIENT: Ormiston College
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20210917
FROM: Manly to Manly
DATE: 17 September 2021
POSITION: Big Sandhills, Moreton Is
REPORT BY: Blue Watch
The day started off with preparations and students being separated into their watches. The bunks were then set as students were assigned numbers and lockers for their baggage. After that, the ship was prepared for the journey, which gave us the first opportunities to learn our new positions and how a sailing ship was managed as the ship was motored out of the harbour at Manly and hoisted the sails. The staff were very welcoming from the start of the journey.
Not long into the sailing, the students were given lunch which was a salad roll served by Cath (the cook). Then, our watches took turns sailing the ship, and we were given roles, such as “port lookout” and “deck check”. Additionally, they showed us how to tack the ship, and pretty soon, we started getting the hang of it. We were also shown how to navigate using the map and compass.
As midday passed, the students were told that the staff were bringing everyone to sand dunes located at Moreton Island. Soon enough, Cath started preparing dinner, which was chicken drumsticks with rice and vegetables. Before this, however, the crew engaged in a knot tying competition, which was won by White Watch. Just as the knot tying competition had finished, the students got to witness a wonderful sunset on the horizon. After everyone had eaten dinner, dessert was dished out which was apple pie with custard.
While the rest of the ship prepared for bed, a select few were sat up, preparing for a long and tiring night shift. Tomorrow, we plan to disembark on Moreton Island to explore the sand dunes and return to set sail at midday, when the breeze picks up again.