North of Keswick Island ~ on way to Whitehaven beach

It was a welcome sound indeed when we heard the anchors roll out at 1am today. Many youth crew, myself included could not get to sleep given the size of the swell which was exacerbated being at the bow of the ship.

In the morning we were retaught basic tall ship sailing skills. When it was time to head off again Jess and I got the honour of making our acquaintance with the Bilge Iguana. This basically involves jumping into a hatch in the 12 berth floor to spool the anchor chain (which is covered in grease and mud). An oxygen meter is set up to ensure safe working environment due to gasses that can be generated from the rusty chain in an enclosed space.

The scenery was magnificent sailing past unspoilt, uninhabited islands some with cliffs and pine trees reminiscent of the game myst (I couldn't tell you where they were though). We had our first attempt at tacking. This year I got a much more physically demanding tacking station than the previous voyage. Alex, Ryan and I had to brace the course yard on the leeward side.

We took the last dog watch and hit the hay in high swells. For some people the seasickness was so bad their only relief was sleep.

Corroborating Captains Log