Log: 18/3

Voyage 913 has begun! We cast off the lines at around 1700 yesterday and headed out into the misty Hauraki Gulf where we found a nice anchorage off Waiheke Island. The trainees enjoyed an early morning swim, remarking about how warm the water is. They are learning a lot about shipboard life, working as a team and making friends. Now its time to set off for a sail and some fun.

Log: 20/3

We have had 2 days of great sailing, seen a whale, learnt to tie knots, played some fun team building games and paddled ashore to stretch the legs at Mansion House Bay on Kawau Island. Now its time for a hearty lunch, then setting sail again for a journey of 30 nautical miles, past Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island) and over to Aotea (Great Barrier island).

Log: 22/3

We had a fantastic sail to Katherine Bay in the Northern part of Aotea (Great Barrier) Island where we were treated to a stunning sunset and an equally stunning sunrise. This is the life!
After cleaning the ship we set sail again to make the most of the wind but we only got a few tacks in then the wind died away. The water was glassy, clear and a beautiful deep blue colour so the call went "out to get in your togs, lets go for a swim". What a thrill that was to jump into 70m deep water, alongside a tall ship in the middle of nowhere.
Today the trainees have packed a lunch and paddled ashore on Kaikoura Island for a tramp through the bush and out to a lookout.

Log: 25/3

We have had very still weather recently, not conducive to sailing but on the flip side of that it has been amazing weather to explore parts of the Hauraki Gulf that we don't often get to. We ventured up to the Mokohinau Islands and landed on Burgess Island, where we walked up to the light house and explored the area. Then after lunch everyone loaded into the rafts and explored stunning sea caves by snorkeling through them, seeing many schools of fish living amongst the kelp. The sea around the ship was alive with boil ups of fish and marine mammals. We spent the night under the huge cliffs of Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island) and got up very early and motored towards Mahurangi. The trainees enjoyed being up under the stars and seeing the stunning sunrise. Once we arrived at Mahurangi the day was spent climbing to the top of the mast and sailing the luggers (small sailng boats).

Log: 26/3

The trainees took over the ship, elected a new Captain and crew then ran it for 24 hours. What an amazing success they had. Getting the ship from the middle of the Hauraki Gulf to Motuora Island and going ashore for dinner last night, sailing down to Motuihe Island today and finishing off with a massive pool party! They worked together as a team and had fun. I am so very proud of these rangatahi.