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

Log: 6/12

We have made great progress across the Bay of Plenty and are now rounding East Cape. It was beautiful sailing last night with a stunning sunset and no land in sight then a full moon rose, stars shone and a warm night. There were shooting stars, satellites and an unknown rocket type of flash rising up from the south. The trainees did sail handling, navigation, steering and lookout duties in shifts throughout the night. Then this morning there was the sun rising in front of the ship making a very picturesque sight. The trainees have found their sea legs and are loving life onboard.

Log: 8/12

We’ve enjoyed our passage down the east coast and are now approaching the infamous Cook Strait. With strong NW winds and swell expected, we’ve prepared the ship by reducing sail to a couple of staysails, stowing all gear, and ensuring everyone is ready. We’ll motor-sail diagonally across the strait to the top of the South Island and plan to spend a couple of days exploring the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

Log: 8/12

It is a wonderful morning. We have nearly completed our challenging crossing of Cook Strait and have been blessed with another stunning sunrise. The South Island is close, and excitement is rising as we head toward Tory Channel. Thoughts of being at anchor, going for a swim, and getting ashore are especially enticing.

Log: 9/12

With the sunrise behind us and the seas settling, we entered Tory Channel at 0620 yesterday morning and enjoyed the still waters and the tree-clad, steep hillsides surrounding us. After anchoring at Meretoto (Ship’s Cove), we freshened up with a swim and shared lunch together. In the afternoon, the rafts were blown up and it was time to get our feet onto solid land, have a run around, and take a short walk to a waterfall.

It’s been nice not standing watch - being able to do activities with the entire ship’s company and knowing we’ll get a sound sleep tonight.

Log: 10/12

Wow, what a huge day! After cleaning the ship, we split the trainees into four new groups and rotated them through three different missions:

• Climbing to the top of the mast and out onto the Royal yard

• Paddling ashore and walking over the saddle between Meretoto and Resolution Bay

• Sailing the lugger (a small sailboat for 10 people) between Meretoto and Resolution Bay

The mission was a success and a lot of fun.

Log: 11/12

We’ve just ticked off another 50 nautical miles, sailing from Meretoto to Port Underwood. An election has been held and a new crew of trainees are now in charge of the ship. They’ll be leading for the next 24 hours and are buzzing with excitement as they put their new skills into action.