Defence team trains aboard James Craig

In the third event of its type, James Craig has again hosted a training course and sea cruise for twenty Navy, Army and Air Force personnel from the Australian Defence Force Academy & 19 personnel from the Australian Heritage Guard.

The first 2 days of the course were taken up with alongside training followed by three days at sea. The weather on day 1 at sea was relatively light but filled in. Day 2 saw the ship sailing at speeds of 10 knots or more in winds of 15 to 20 knots. The final day saw the wind reduce slightly but the sailing remained exceptional. Day 3 also saw the ship carrying all 21 of her sails including the rarely set mizzen gaff tops’l.

Captain John Dikkenberg commended the participants on being energetic, professional and friendly advocates for their Services. He also commended Sydney Heritage Fleet trainers & crew for their outstanding efforts during the cruise.

A visit to Hobart to coincide with the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in February next year is in planning. If the cruise eventuates it will be James Craig’s third visit to Hobart since her re-commissioning. The first such cruise was in 2005 and the second, in 2007.

For these interstate cruises James Craig can carry up to 12 fare paying passengers and persons interested in these voyages should contact www.sedwards@shf.org.au