Log: 4/9

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Log: 15/9

V925 has begun!

We loaded stores, people, and everyone’s gear before throwing off the lines and heading up the Tāmaki Strait to Man O’ War Bay, Waiheke Island. The fun and games have begun, and friendships are already forming.

Overnight the wind dropped, giving us a peaceful first sleep aboard. We woke this morning to sunshine and calm waters - a perfect welcome for our first morning swim. After a hearty breakfast, we’re ready for a fun-filled, adventurous day ahead.

Log: 16/9

We set lots of sails today, learning the ropes as we went, climbed partway up the mast, got to know more of our fellow trainees, celebrated Emma’s birthday with cake, and so much more.

The feel of the ship being carried forward by the wind, with the swell moving beneath us, was a whole new experience. As we rounded Cape Colville, we had to gybe the ship, carefully handling the sails to turn and head off in a new direction.

It’s exciting to think what this new day will bring.

Ella and Katelyn say this is EPIC!!!

Log: 17/9

The trainees’ day began with a challenge - a swim in the sea despite blustery and rather chilly conditions. Some were heard to say, “I am awake, I feel amazing, and really alive!”

Next on the plan was taking the ship sailing and learning how to tack. With 14 sails onboard, there are plenty of new skills and nautical terms for the trainees to get to grips with. They are quickly gaining an understanding of life onboard and settling in well.

After sailing, we anchored in a sheltered bay where the sun was shining and the water relatively warm - perfect for an optional afternoon swim.

Later, it was time for the first step into navigation: learning what a chart is and how to use it. Billie also enjoyed lending a hand with some painting as part of the ship’s ongoing maintenance.

After such a busy day, everyone is looking forward to a yummy roast dinner.

Ella, Phoebe, Sophie, Kalpana, and Emma contributed to this Captain’s Log. They also commented, “It feels like we have known each other for years.” Strong friendships have already begun to form.

Log: 18/9

We awoke to a beautiful day at Kokohi Point and started with a refreshing morning swim. It was time to get off the ship and touch some land, so we blew up some rafts, launched the luggers (small sailing boats), and headed to a lovely sandy beach. After a run around, we did some community mahi, picking up rubbish from the beach.

Lunch was brought to us - sausages and bread - and it was nice to feel the steady ground beneath our feet. Once back on the ship, we tried out the yard swing, where many of us learned to do backflips! After some chill-out time before dinner, we enjoyed a singing lesson that culminated in 45 people performing a beautiful rendition of Hallelujah.

Now, we’re settling in for some star-gazing and another night’s sleep, ready to ponder tomorrow’s adventures.

Log: 19/9

We said a fond farewell to the Coromandel Peninsula and made our way to the eastern side of Great Barrier Island. Although we’d hoped to sail, the conditions weren’t quite in our favour, so we motored across instead. The trainees experienced the sea rolling beneath the ship, the wind whistling through the rigging, and the spray of saltwater on their faces - a true taste of life at sea.

Once we reached the calm waters of Whangapoua, we dropped anchor and settled back into ship life. A mountain of macaroni cheese was quickly devoured, before everyone turned their attention to writing letters to themselves, capturing their thoughts of life on the sea.

As the sun set in brilliant colours across the horizon, the evening flowed into a fascinating talk from one of our Watch Assistants about navigating by the stars. With guitars strumming and voices raised in song, the day closed in the best way possible - full of learning, laughter, and shared spirit.

Log: 20/9

Another beautiful day at Aotea (Great Barrier) Island. We went ashore to stretch our legs with a hike along part of the Harataonga Walkway. The scenery was stunning, looking out across to Rakitu (Arid) Island and down into the bays, where the ship lay nestled below.

Later in the afternoon we explored a sea cave on Rakitu Island, paddling the rafts through a natural archway to the other side. Schools of fish darted beneath us, weaving through the kelp.

While the ship was quiet with everyone ashore, it’s now alive again, filled with the chatter, laughter, and songs of the trainees, echoing through her decks.

Rakitu Island

Log: 21/9

We enjoyed a lovely sail around the top of Great Barrier Island before entering the sheltered harbour of Port Fitzroy. In the afternoon, we climbed to the top of the mast, taking in the stunning scenery and celebrating the achievement of a goal. Later, we blew up and launched the rafts and paddled ashore for an evening around the campfire - sharing dinner, playing guitar, singing songs, toasting marshmallows, and meeting fellow boaties. The quiet paddle back to the ship in the dark was a peaceful way to finish a memorable day.

Log: 22/9

We bid farewell to Great Barrier Island, enjoyed a lovely passage over to Waiheke Island under full sail. The trainees have shown how much they have learnt over the last 8 days and it's inspiring to see them stepping up, showing great leadership, confidence in their abilities and completing tasks to a high standard. With lessons on Navigation, Engineering, helming the ship and plenty of sailing now under their belts, they're almost ready to take command of the Ship!

Log: 23/9

We have now commandeered the ship - a new crew is at the helm!

We're ready to set the sails and get this ship rolling ... literally! An election was undertaken and the new Captain and Mates have planned a `mean as' day! We have the ship for 24 hours and plan to make the most of it. Pancakes for breakfast were a hit, everyone wanted some!

(This post is written by the new Captain!)

Log: 24/9

After a very successful trainee day yesterday and a moving final night onboard, we are now making our way back to our berth at Princes Wharf. Although the voyage is drawing to a close, I am confident the growth, memories, and friendships formed will last well beyond these ten days at sea. It has been an absolute pleasure to have these rangatahi onboard, and I am certain their experiences on the Spirit of New Zealand will help shape their futures in a positive and lasting way.