Young Endeavour–Jervis Bay

Ships in the bay – Young Endeavour moored off Huskisson.

If you go down to Huskisson today you will see the two masted sailing vessel the Young Endeavour moored just off Huskisson.

Moored just off Huskisson, I took this before sunrise,  the ship looked amazing with lights throughout her rigging.

Captains log from yesterday. Captains Log 29th March 2017 "The Ship continued on passage motor sailing northwards from Twofold Bay overnight with the crew gaining their first experiences of being on the helm, being a lookout and doing the required hourly engineering rounds. This is all about working together as a watch to maintain the required sail plan and keeping the Ship safe. The reason we were forced to motor sail was to ensure we reached Jervis Bay before the moderate northerlies we experienced this afternoon and before the expected strong Southerlies early tomorrow morning. We came off engines as we entered Jervis Bay at 1000 and undertook Rotational Tacks where the watches rotate through the other watches' tacking stations to learn what their jobs are when the Ship tacks. After another of Marcos' delicious lunches the Youthies went ashore into Huskisson from our anchorage via the Ship's boat. We had a couple of hours to stretch our legs, hug a tree (the best cure for sea sickness) and visit the local cafes. We were all back onboard by 1630 and participated in the first round of 'Rope Races' an activity designed to consolidate the crew's knowledge of the parts of the Ship and important fitted equipment. Dinner followed and then a briefing on Anchor Watch responsibilities from Navigator Adam. The Youthies will keep anchor watches through the night, ensuring the Ship remains safe. I expect we will remain at anchor in JB tomorrow night also due to the forecast strong Southerlies and 4 m swells. Until tomorrow. Yours Aye, Captain Mike."

The very early morning light looked amazing.

Young Endeavour was a gift from the United Kingdom to the Government and people of Australia to mark the Bicentenary in 1988. Construction began on the ship in May 1986 in Lowestoft, England and on 3 August 1987 she began the long voyage to Australia with a crew which included 24 young people from Britain and Australia. The official handover ceremony took place on 25 January 1988 in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales in Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour. Her arrival heralded the start of a new era of sail training in Australia. The Government decided that the Royal Australian Navy would operate and maintain the ship, and that the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme would be set up to manage the associated sail training program. The Scheme was established in early 1988 with a Board appointed by and responsible to the Minister for Defence. The Scheme's management and administration is undertaken by civilian staff, and is based in the ship's homeport of Sydney. As Australia's sail training flagship, Young Endeavour participates in major events in Australia and around the world. REF: https://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/

The colour soon drained from the sky as the rain and clouds increased.

Click on the link below for a picture taken from the deck of the ship as she approached  Point Perpendicular from the south. .

https://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/sites/default/files/images/blog/oBpYMcdv_photo_017.jpg

These two shots are from around noon. The endeavour set sail and headed across towards Honemoon Bay before turning and taking the sails back down. I'd say they were giving the young trainee crew a few lessons in seamanship  and sail setting inside the bay. There is a large swell coming this afternoon, so I can't see her leaving the bay just yet. Laying at anchor off Huskisson this morning.

International Visitor

To go from one extreme to another we have the Spanish Air Warfare Destroyer the ESPS Christobel Colan in the bay as well.  She is conducting training exercises in combination with part of the Australian Flee.  Unfortunately the weather was so bad this is the best shot I could get of this ship as she slowly moved about the bay in the rain and mist.  If it clears I may be able to get another clearer one...

The name  Christobel Colan is the Spanish name of the explorer known in English as Christopher Columbus