Young Endeavour Captains Log Entry

Check out the log entry for the Young Endeavour - Danielle SKews from the NSW SES Strathfield unit has written it along with two of her ship mates...

Captains Log Day 21/22 

Well here we are, sitting in the captain’s cabin and reflecting on the last day of our voyage. It has been a very interesting few weeks, with rough weather, sea sickness, and remaining rubbery. There has been many up’s and down’s (literally) as we have all learnt how to climb aloft with confidence, set and furl sails, steer the ship, navigate the Mediterranean and most importantly have a great time doing it. 

Yesterday we came along side HMS Bulwark to attempt a refuel, unfortunately this failed and we had to abort the mission. On the upside, this gave the Youth Crew a chance to try and find Prince Harry and coax him out to the deck. This also failed. Instead we travelled to Lakseki to refuel and receive some supplies from the gracious HMAS ANZAC. We were able to use this opportunity to practice our communication skills that Jodie had taught us and we successfully made conversation with them using Morse code. Thanks again HMAS ANZAC for being patient with us, and to Jodie for sharing her mad skills. 

Before receiving the next voyagees, Youth Crew 03/15 got together for one of the last times in the café to watch an awesome slideshow that was put together by Andrew which perfectly summed up our time aboard the Young Endeavour. And a big thanks to Chook for the fantastic poem that she wrote for us. 

After a long night, we awoke this morning to the sights of 9 war ships lined up off the coast of Anzac Cove awaiting the commencement of the Dawn Service and the ceremonial sail pass, which we were lucky enough to be a part of. Emotions were running high, as we huddled at midship listening to the broadcast as we moved closer to the Gallipoli Peninsula. As dawn broke over the horizon, Captain Gav, Izzy and Tom laid a wreath in the water as we all stood and watched in silence. To be involved in such a monumental commemoration was overwhelming and is something that will stay with us forever. 

Sailing back through the Dardennelles to Cannakale, we went aloft and reflected on what it meant for us to be here today. As the warships and cruiseliners sailed passed us, we again practiced our morse code and semaphore skills with them. There was a sense of mateship amongst all vessels and it was great to see how far we have come in 100 years. 

Our final group activity had us all out of the yards singing Australian folk songs and the Nation Anthem as we sailed to the buoy in Cannakale harbour for the last time.

A big shout out to the staffies for all their hard work and stress to get us here for the ANZAC Day commemorations, this wouldn’t have been possible without them. There were sometimes where we thought we would never make it here but due to their tireless efforts, we have made it to Turkey and embarked on a trip of a lifetime. Special mention to our amazing watch leaders, Shaun, Matt and Laura(en), thanks for putting up with our craziness at all hours of the night! You are all amazing. Captain Gav, Kenny and the rest of the crew, thanks for making this trip memorable and staying so positive and upbeat with minimal sleep and hard conditions. You have all made a positive impact on our lives and we will miss you. 



Today I felt honoured to stand on deck during the dawn service, wearing my great grandfather’s medals, as the Young Endeavour took part in a ceremonial sail pass of Anzac Cove. The air was still and silent as all on deck reflected on their personal connections to Gallipoli and WW1 in an effort to draw some kind of meaning from such a tragic campaign. Although we can never truly comprehend their lived experiences, meaning is found in the form and continuance of the Anzac spirit, as seen by the extent to which it has deeply affected all on board. It is with this sentiment that I leave you with a quote: ‘Etch a journey on your soul, scribed by your eyes.’ In loving memory of my great grandfather, Graeme Skews (14th Field Engineering Corp – AIF). Lest we forget. 



Yours Aye, 

Jess, Cara and Dani

For more log entries from the Young Endeavour Voyage see http://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/whats_happening/captains_log_days