Log: 15/7

Day 2, The trainees are busy getting to know each and their new home. The forecast didn't look great so we put some reefs in the sails and had our first sail. Getting away from land also meant getting away from the rain, it is so nice sailing in the sun. Drop the sails and during lunch headed for shelter. We are now tucked up in Martins Bay well sheltered from the wind.

Log: 16/7

Day 3: Quiet night at anchor after getting to know each other last night. Today, lets go for a sail but stay close to the land to keep out of the worst of the wind.

Log: 17/7

Day 4: Yesterday we had much better weather with very occasional shower, time to set more sail and see what is involved to tack a three masted ship. The afternoon bought an opportunity to get ashore then an very noisy evening.

Log: 17/7

Day 4 Continued: Most of the bad stuff in the forecast had blown through by the time we left the mainland this morning and headed for Great Barrier Island. Sun for most of the day and now we are safe and sound in Port Fitzroy.

Log: 18/7

Port Fitzroy is a perfect place to hide from the elements, the southerly arrived last night and gave us the rain. Today it's still windy but we are happy to stay here for a couple of days to explore Great Barrier Island.

Log: 20/7

After cleanup, the Trainees spent most of the day enjoying the sunshine and calm conditions while exploring Kaikoura Island. On their return, we opened the pool for a refreshing swim. With two birthdays onboard, there was cake for dessert, followed by an abandon ship drill. Sadly, it’s almost time to leave this amazing island and set course for our next destination.

Log: 21/7

Left Great Barrier yesterday - such a neat place to explore. We set sail and made our way back to Kawau Island. With Trainee Day getting closer, there’s still so much to learn. We spent some time south of Little Barrier Island, perfecting our tacking skills. Once we arrived in Bon Accord Harbour, we celebrated with a pool party - sheltered from the cool southerly but bathed in warm sunshine.

Log: 22/7

Yesterday, we set sail for the Coromandel — 7 sails in total. We then learned how to gybe, nailing 4 perfect gybes in all! Afterwards, we had our first quiet time: an hour to reflect on the voyage so far and write letters to our future leader selves. We then struck the sails and prepped for today’s trainee day elections! 😊

Log: 23/7

Yesterday the election went ahead and our new crew was elected. Afterward, we stowed the sails and enjoyed a delicious roast pork and veg dinner prepared by our new cooks and leading hands. Dessert followed – chocolate self-saucing pudding and ice cream – along with an evening game that came with high stakes: the loser had the unlucky task of night watch duty! Bedtime stories were read, and lights went out soon after.

This morning kicked off with our usual 6:30am wake-up, this time with music and the rope swing to start the day. Breakfast was a hearty spread of eggs, baked beans, spaghetti, potatoes, and porridge. After colours, we took a group photo and completed our morning jobs. We’re now getting ready to hoist the sails 😊

Quick heads up: We're having a small technical glitch with our tracker still showing the ship at Great Barrier Island. Just so you know, the ship is on its way to Motuihe. We're working on fixing it and really appreciate your patience!