Log: 19/1

With 40 eager trainees onboard and unpacked, we departed Picton at 1600 and headed out into Queen Charlotte Sound. A huge thank you to Picton for hosting us in your port and for the warm hospitality. We motored up to an anchorage in Grove Arm, where we were sheltered from the SE wind. Our cook made us a delicious dinner, and the trainees took part in ice-breaker games on deck to help with team bonding. Then it was off to bed to find out what it’s like to sleep on a tall ship at sea.

Log: 20/1

We have had a whole lot of new experiences, including sleeping on a ship, morning swims, and climbing the mast. We set sails and tacked the ship in Queen Charlotte Sound, learning how they work and the order they need to be moved in to turn the ship around. There are lots of duties to do around the ship, such as night watch, working in the galley, cleaning the deck, keeping the logbook, and helping with safety management.

We were invited over to the Outward Bound base and had a quick look around, meeting some of their participants. To round off the day, we all brainstormed what we want to achieve and do on this voyage. Days onboard are busy but fun!

Written by Paige, Port A Watch

Log: 21/1

We took the ship out into Cook Strait and had an amazing time sailing from Queen Charlotte Sound to Pelorus Sound. The ship was rocking and rolling for our first experience on the open sea. We rigged the sails, checked our position on the charts, enjoyed hot dogs on deck for lunch, steered the ship, and got splashed by sea spray. Morale is high, with lots of personal achievements and some amazing wildlife spotted along the way. Once we were at anchor in Ketu Bay, we jumped into the sea for a refreshing swim.

Written by Hunter, Port A Watch

Log: 22/1

Our first time on land in four days! It was great to stretch our legs ashore in Ketu Bay (Pelorus Sound). We divided and conquered, rafting ashore to clean remote beaches and explore into the bush. To top it off, we pushed our limits and reached new heights at the top of the mast. The ship is now full of evening singalongs as we continue to grow into a tight-knit group.

Log: 23/1

We started the day with a chartwork exercise, learning how to read a chart and use coordinates to plot a position. This was followed by a lively Pirates of Penzance–style adventure at Worlds End, where those new skills were put to the test.

The Captain, dressed as a pirate, set the trainees a mission: paddle ashore to locate hidden “ammunition” (eggs, balls, and a bucket), then intercept two boats of rum-smuggling rival pirates (the volunteer crew) and bring the bounty back to the ship. The challenge was enthusiastically embraced, culminating in a spirited water fight as eggs and balls flew and the smugglers were eventually overrun.

With the bounty safely returned, the reward was a pool party complete with a yard swing, soaking up the sunshine and warm weather. The evening was spent relaxing on deck as we repositioned the ship to Nydia Bay, enjoying the scenery, wildlife, and a little stargazing.

Log: 24/1

We went adventuring today with a walk at Nydia Bay, heading into the bush and then up a river to an epic waterfall. Jumping and sliding into the cold river water was exhilarating, and a refreshing change to be in fresh water.

Paddling the rafts to and from shore was a long journey, so we were very grateful for some assistance from the tender in the form of a tow. Back onboard, with tired legs and arms, we were welcomed by a delicious dinner of chicken curry, followed by apple crumble and cream for dessert.

Sharing these experiences with our shipmates is what makes the voyage so special.

Written by Marlene and Abhaya

Log: 25/1

Leadership was the theme of the day. We explored different leadership styles, then put those skills into practice as we set the sails and made our way through the calm waters of Pelorus Sound.

Along the way, we took some quiet reflective time to recharge, writing letters to our future selves to capture the essence of the voyage. As we moved into the more exposed waters of Cook Strait, the ship began to rock and roll in the swells - a vivid reminder of the way land helps to dampen the sea.

We selected a picturesque anchorage at Annie Bay for the night, finishing the day with an evening swim followed by fun and games before bedtime.

Log: 26/1

We completed our final sailing practice yesterday so the trainees would feel confident today taking the ship across the strait. We elected a whole new crew of trainees and officially took over the ship.

Our first stop was dinner on the beach at Meretoto last night, which was excellent. This morning we got off to a great start with some Jump Jam and a swim in the crystal-clear water.

The sun is shining and we’re all excited to set sail, hoping for more wind and a fantastic day ahead.

Trainee Day Captain