CLIENT: Youth Voyage
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20251130
FROM: Manly To: Sydney
POSITION: Big Sand Hills
DATE: 30 November 2025
REPORT: White Watch
The crew woke up nice and late, at 5am this morning to a mesmerising sunrise and the salty sea breeze. Though last night’s sleep wasn’t the smoothest due to the heat and noise from the nearby beach club, everyone woke up with a positive attitude ready to begin our sailing journey. To ensure we were adequately energised for our great voyage ahead, we had a cold breakfast (including cereal, porridge and Weetbix) which was soon followed by a hot breakfast (beans, eggs and toast). After a hearty meal, we got straight to work, practicing different knots, where we learnt the figure 8 knot, round turn and 2 and a half hitch and clove hitch.
Before we knew it, the engine was on and we got straight to work, putting up the sails, learning sailing terminology, how to backstay, as well as learning how to tack and flake the rope. After our short and enjoyable intensive labour, we were able to rest up in our bunks before we were served with the most scrumptious lunch (cold meat salad bread rolls) made by our loveable chef Hugh. Then, we were on duty for a 12pm-2pm shift, where we went around in rotations completing different roles within the ship.
After another rest and a few naps to recharge our batteries, we were able to stop by the shore of the Big Sandhills and Moreton Island, where we had a refreshing dip in the cool water, and were fortunate enough to see cute turtles and dolphins swim right by us. We then hiked further along the beach to the massive hills, where it looked like a cinematic scene from the movie called Dune. Some of us sprinted uphill and others raced each other downwards. The view was spectacular and definitely worth the effort getting there! It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and without a doubt, White Watch’s favourite highlight was the afternoon dune adventure.
We ended the night with a delicious chicken meal (chicken legs, gravy, peas, mash potato and carrots) as well as a sweet dessert, apple pie and custard, with a last night shift including writing this log. Love, Aaron, Hanbee, Taylor, Gabbie, Steph, and Hamaz.