CLIENT: Silver Youth Voyage
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20240623
FROM: Cairns To: Cairns
DATE: 24 June 2024
POSITION: Flynn Reef
REPORT: Red Watch
Day two of the voyage posed moments filled with challenges and discomfort, and others with enjoyment and comradery. With an early morning start for the designated night watch spanning from 0001 to 0400 (or 12 am to 4 am). Despite the seemingly exotic timings, this provided a quintessential opportunity to expand the frontal cortex regarding the ship and the sport of sailing, featuring navigation and terminology practice.
After a brief slumber we were awoken by a vicious bugle sounded by little John to signal the start of the first knot tying competition. The day’s maiden knot was a reef knot which was an inspirational challenge causing the mighty red watch to place in first last place. Using the skills learnt on day one, we set off for day two facing a much harder journey with an exponential increase swell and fierce headwinds characterizing the tough morning. These conditions caused some students except for yours’ truly to fall ill, littering the ocean with vile, regurgitated substances. Due to the fallen team members many of the crew and students had to pitch in during their rest times symbolising the strong sense of community and brotherhood on the vessel.
Finally reaching a calmer patch of water, sheltered by the reef, we moored up to finish sailing for the day. The afternoon featured some brave swimmers keen enough to take the plunge into the dreaded Coral Sea (including yours truly) and a figure eight to tie up the afternoon. A hearty dinner cooked so graciously by the lovely Cathy was wolfed down by the students and ended out a magnificent day on the South Passage. As the day waned the moon arose in its full state highlighting the magnificent constellations planted in the nights sky, forever a symbol of the world’s beauty. Henry and Jack