Log: 25/11

Yesterday, we dropped the lines from Princes wharf and motored out to Motuihe Island for the night. Today stared with smiles, laughter, friendships forming, a morning swim, eating hearty kai and now showing the ship some aroha by cleaning and making her ship shape. The sun is shining, there's a lovely breeze for sailing and the trainees are getting into the swing of shipboard life.  Voyage 878 has started and the adventure has begun.

Log: 26/11

We had an action packed day today, starting with a visit to the Goat Island marine reserve where we snorkelled amongst large fish and other wildlife. After a hearty lunch, we set sails, sailed off the anchor and learnt how to tack and Gybe the ship.

Log: 28/11

Coming to you from the far side of Aotea, Great Barrier Island  .... We had an epic sail yesterday from Tarwharanui to Whangapoua, 46 Nautical Miles under full sail (13 sails). We were lucky to spot some whales on the eastern side of Te Hauturu-o-Toi, Little Barrier Island. Today the troops have gone ashore to walk from Whangapoua to Haratoanga Bay. The sun is shining and we are out there enjoying every moment.

Log: 30/11

Yesterday we sailed off the anchor and blazed down the coast to Curvier Island, where we spent a couple of hours at anchor.  What a stunning little island. Then we set sail again as it was too lumpy to stay the night, and headed down past Great Mercury Island and through the hole in the wall, to the nice smooth anchorage of Mercury Bay. Todays mission is to climb to the very top of the mast and explore the bay in the luggers.

Log: 2/12

Mercury Bay was a popular spot with the troops. giving us the opportunity to go ashore for dinner along with a campfire and marshmallows. then the next morning go exploring a sea cave. Yesterday we set sail for Slipper Island for the night. Today it is Trainee day, the trainees have taken over the running of the ship  and are taking us to Mayor Island. Tomorrow we will make our way into Tauranga Port, bringing this epic voyage to a close. See you all tomorrow.