Log: 4/12

Voyage 929 has begun. We cast off the mooring lines at 1700 and headed out the channel past Mauao (Mt Maunganui). As we passed the statue of Tangaroa, we said a karakia and offered the customary small gift of food.

There was plenty of excitement as the bow rose and fell through the swells. With trainees at the helm, we’re now making our way north to Whitianga to find shelter from the northerly swell and get a good night’s sleep. We’ll spend a couple of days there while everyone settles into life onboard, before heading south.

Along the way, the sky put on a show - dramatic clouds, thunder, lightning, and bursts of heavy rain as we began our adventure. Those have now passed, and it’s a beautiful evening. All is well onboard.

Log: 4/12

We dropped anchor at Cooks Beach at midnight under a full moon and the rare glimpse of a rainbow at night time! We were all glad to get to bed and have a sleep in a nice calm bay. Today everyone got up at 0630 and experienced the first morning swim, emerged lively and fresh, ready to have more adventures today.

Log: 5/12

Today the sun is shining with a light SW wind, and the trainees are settling into ship life and routines. They are currently cleaning the ship, helping the cook and preparing rafts for an expedition ashore this morning at Cathedral Cove. Time to stretch the legs before we depart this afternoon on our way to East Cape