Log: 29/1

Yesterday was a beautiful day, with all trainees unpacked, we left the wharf in Wellington. After a safety tour and getting to know the ship, we had a practice man overboard drill, getting prepared for our big passage north. Everyone had a turn at climbing in the rigging after a yummy dessert then we were all fast asleep. It was exciting this morning as we all jumped in for our 6:30am swim, and now we are currently getting our sails ready before we lift the anchor and sail away.

Log: 30/1

After the chilly morning swim, we lifted the anchor and headed for sail outside of Wellington Harbor. Then we all played Speed dating to get to know each other, learning everyone's names and fun facts about them. We went through each of the sailing stations and learnt some more of the terminology for the sails and parts of the ship. Afterwards everyone kind of just chilled out and had a smooth sail starting our journey to Great Barrier Island.

Whilst waiting for dinner to roll around we were adjusting sails and checking stations and dolphins seemed to love the ship as we saw a lot of them and an orca as well! Dinner was a lovely beef with boiled potatoes, cauliflower and gravy. Then my watch went to bed and waited for the 1.15am wake up to start night watch.

Our first task was to prep the flying jib which me and Lydia went out on the bowsprit to un-tie and rope the sail, that was scary but exhilarating. Whilst lying there we saw a lot of bioluminescent ocean life and it was shockingly calm. After the flying jib was prepped, we raised the sail and passed around some cookies and talked about our highlights and challenges so far. The night drew to an end at 4.30am and starboard b headed off to bed to get some much needed rest for the next day. Written by Manaia H

Log: 32/1

We had some friendly marine life playing in our wake the as last night watch drew to a close. The wind had dropped over night and the sea was calm. As we sailed along the first day watch prepared the vegetables for dinner while other watches regained their sleep. We set more sails until we had all 14 sails set. After lunch we were sailing past Mahia and watched a rocket launch, which was awesome! We learnt some knots and how to navigate the ocean on paper charts but we were interrupted by a whale surfacing right beside the boat. We did some sail handling until it was bedtime for everyone except our first night watch. We watched the stars throughout the night and even used the sextant. The gentle swell peacefully rocked us to sleep.

Log: 32/1

Yesterday involved sailing across the Bay of Plenty where there was some time to reflect and write in our journals. It was beautiful, flat, and calm with no sight of land, so we jumped in the water. It was so clear and warm we even had a go at jumping off the bowsprit! After lunch we played some deck games with our watch groups, then a leadership exercise making models of the ship. We struck and stowed our sails as we passed Cuvier Island. There was a pretty sunset as we anchored in Blind Bay, Great Barrier Island.

Log: 2/2

We had a quiet sleep at anchor in Blind Bay. At 6:30am everyone jumped in for our morning swim before a yummy breakfast. We cleaned, making everything ship shape and inflated our rafts for a paddle ashore. We played some insightful games before setting off on the Te Ahamata track. There were spectacular views from the summit, at some points you could even see both sides of the island, and we watched the ship move over to Whangaparapara Harbour where we meet them again. Back on the ship we had an afternoon pool party to cool off from the big walk, there were lots of tricks done off the rope swing. We spotted some small sharks cruising in the bay before roast lamb for dinner. Chris organised a fun and hectic game of scattagories, we still don't know who won!

Log: 4/2

Tēnā koutou katoa. We had an eventful day yesterday. After the swim, breaky and cleanup we set sail for Whitianga, anchoring at Waitaia in the afternoon. On the way we got to enjoy a little quiet time. Once we got here the team swam into a cave and jumped off the rocks. Then it was back to the ship for dinner and games before lights out and anchor watch.

Log: 4/2

Mōrena, we've had a lovely night anchored in Wataia Bay. After cleaning we did some activity rotations. Sailing our luggers was fun, there was a nice breeze and a bit of a water fight between the luggers. Everyone got a turn at climbing to the top of the mast and going out on the highest yard. We saw lots of marine life when snorkelling and had a good time in the water. Our evening activity was sing star with a mix of chaos and lots of laughter heard throughout the ship.

Log: 5/2

Started our morning with a vigorous deep clean of the ship. We anchored in Whangamata, then pumped up our rafts and headed to the beach. On the beach we proceeded to do a beach clean up, we collected plastic etc. We played some team building games and well as some swimming and shell collecting. Back on the ship we set sail and had elections to nominate and elect our trainee crew. Started off trainee day with a bang by having an exceptional dinner and sunset swim.
By Lydia