Started today at 3AM as red watch had morning watch (it has since been known as “stupid o’clock” © Juzzy). Got to climb to the topgallant yard. The girls sat on the port side of the topgallant yard like it was some gentle pony, on the starboard side the guys (myself included) looked like that kitten clinging to the clothesline in that poster with the catchphrase “hang in there”.
We learned some knots and stuff then the serious business began – coming up with an annoying wakeup call. We watched the sunrise over Cairns harbour.
Then it was show time it began with Marty saying in perfect tone “This is big brother, all the crewmates to the top deck”, this was followed by some rooster crows coinciding with the rest of the crewmates flicking lights on and off and blowing whistles directly in the cabins (for that personal touch).
Being the watch on deck while at harbour it was our duty to lead the flag rasing ceremony. With the Townsville naval base complete with patrol boat and submarine nearby it was serious matter indeed. It began with whistles, then I donged the bell 4 by 2 times the flag was raised and the anthem sung to the tune of Barnsies “Working class man”.
We set sail (so to speak) red watches job being to carry fenders (big rubber sausages) alongside to prevent the ship from crashing into the pier. We would later be told it was purely to protect the young endeavours paintjob.
It was so exciting to be at sea watching islands go by the coast was non stop lush tropical mountains. Some people could not even contain their excitement, shooting it out of their mouths off the leeward beam (or was it Bec’s lunch).
Red watch would have the guts watch that night (midnight to 0400) so we made it an early one. Although a strange sensation to fall asleep while rocking from side to side and up and down it was kinda cool.
Captain Phil's Log for today
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