Log: 25/10

Once everyone had arrived, with fortunately only a few holdups from weather across the country, we departed from Auckland and anchored at Waikalabubu Bay for the night, just as the sun was setting. The trainees are buzzing with anticipation to set sail today for Kawau Island. (Waikalabubu is at the northern end of Motutapu Island.)

Log: 26/10

After the morning learning to climb safely and handle the sails, we sailed north to Kawau Bay in a rising breeze. It was a great sail and we put in a couple of tacks before stowing and anchoring for the night off Snells Beach. In spite of the fresh breeze and choppy sea, not one trainee was seasick.

Log: 27/10

Yesterday we set sail after cleaning the ship, heading towards Great Barrier before returning to a lovely, isolated bay on the north-east side of Kawau Island. The trainees paddled their rafts ashore for walks and games on the wide sandy beach and in the crystal-clear water, keeping well clear of the dotterels nesting there. With winds expected to pick up, we anchored at Martins Bay for the night, where the schools competed in a playdough contest full of creativity and imagination.

Log: 28/10

Yesterday we sailed from Martins Bay towards Waiheke, with the promise of gales arriving later in the day. The forecast proved accurate and after a marvellous sail, we reached Motuihe Passage with winds up to 35 knots and some rain. As we continued east along the Tāmaki Strait, the wind gusted to 40 knots (around 70 km/h), and we reduced sail accordingly.

We anchored in the shelter of Man O’ War Bay, where the trainees enjoyed a yard swing and even a swim in the rain.

Despite some heavy rolling, no one was really seasick.

Log: 29/10

We anchored in the nicely sheltered Ruthe Passage. The trainees enjoyed a short walk ashore on historic Rotoroa Island before the weather set in.