YOUTH SAILING CHALLENGE

Our experience aboard the "One and All" Tall ship, sailing from Adelaide to Melbourne, was nothing short of amazing. Zoe, Henry, and I embarked on a journey filled with adventure, memories, and adrenaline.

As we boarded the “One and All”, a tall ship owned by the South Australian Government, we were immediately struck by how beautiful it was. The ship stood tall with its towering masts, billowing sails, and intricate rigging. The crew warmly welcomed us, and they were all really eager to teach us how to sail such a massive ship.

Once underway, we quickly settled into life on the ship. All of the students were split into 3 watches: Starboard, Middle and Port watch. Each group would take care of the ship for a different part of the day, which changed every day. Each group would have 2 watches a day, totalling 8 hours.

Days were filled with activities that deepened our understanding of life aboard a tall ship. We learned the intricacies of setting and furling sails and honing our skills in coordination and teamwork. The crew told us everything we needed to know, and they were super eager when doing so. 

The nights were the best part. Gazing up at the night sky, unobstructed by city lights, we were captivated by the brilliance of the stars. The ship's deck became a gathering place for stories and laughter, and we would talk for hours in the darkness, sometimes until 3 o’clock in the morning. We called these “deep chats”.

As we neared the end of our journey in Melbourne, a bittersweet feeling settled within us. We had become part of the "One and All" family, and leaving the ship meant bidding farewell to the wonderful crew members, and the students who lived over in Adelaide. The memories we made, the friendships we formed, and the lessons we learned will forever be cherished.

Written by Flynn Megahan

Year 10, Brighton Secondary College