Log: 7/2

Voyage 935 has begun! Stores were loaded and trainees welcomed onboard before we let go the mooring lines and motored out of Tauranga Harbour, past Mauao (the Mount) and up the coast to Waihi Beach. Along the way, trainees began learning their way around the ship and getting to know their shipmates. A few even took a turn at the helm as the sun set over the land.

It’s all new, it’s exciting, and there are many adventures to be had over the next 10 days.

Log: 8/2

The trainees continued learning more about the ship, including how to climb the mast and key safety procedures. After lunch we hauled the anchor and set some sails. With a nice westerly wind, we made our way up the coast to Opito Bay, a beautiful sandy bay north of Whitianga.

With the sun beating down while we sailed, we decided to turn on the fire hydrant and cool off under the spray of water before getting back to work, striking and stowing the sails. After dinner, we needed to cool off again with a lovely evening swim. Friendships are forming, along with a growing appreciation for just how awesome life at sea is.

Log: 9/2

After a stunning morning swim with the sun rising on the horizon, we had a hearty breakfast and cleaned the ship. Then sailing to the eastern side of Great Barrier Island was the mission for the day. We set 9 sails and achieved 7.5knots of boat speed. Feeling the ship slide through the water under sail power alone as the wind blew across the deck was rewarding. We saw lots of wildlife and some beautiful islands along the way. The anchorage for the night was Whangapoua.

Log: 10/2

A morning of fun and games ashore at a beautiful sandy beach saw everyone stretching their legs on land for the first time in four days. In the afternoon, we set sail and circumnavigated Rakitu (Arid Island) before returning to Whangapoua as our anchorage for the night. We also fitted in a well-deserved afternoon swim and a yard swing in crystal-clear waters, with plenty of backflips and other stunts on display.

After all the hard mahi during the day, everyone had huge appetites, so a dinner of roast chicken went down a treat, followed by a fun game to round off the evening.

Log: 11/2

What an epic day! We got the ship underway early this morning and motored up to the Mokohinau Islands, a remote island group northwest of Great Barrier Island. The water was crystal clear, a deep blue-purple colour, and teeming with sea life, so we went for a snorkel. Everyone was buzzing about what they saw underwater.

After lunch we went ashore on Burgess Island, the only island in the group you’re allowed to land on, and trekked up to the lighthouse to take in the 360-degree views. While there, we also carried out a community service project, completing a beach clean to leave the island better than we found it.

On the way back to Aotea (Great Barrier Island), we were treated to the spectacular sight of huge manta rays doing backflips as they fed. We’re so lucky to live in a country where we can experience things like this right in our own backyard.

Log: 12/2

We had another huge day today, ticking off some of our goals and stepping well outside our comfort zones.

We began by setting sails and running a tacking session, practising how to move the sails in the correct order to turn the ship using only the power of the wind. It was great to see everyone working together and gaining confidence with each manoeuvre.

Next on our achievement list was jumping from a rock into the sea - a refreshing reward with the sun blazing overhead. There were plenty of smiles (and a few nervous laughs!) before we took the leap.

We then anchored in the Port Fitzroy area and conquered another challenge: climbing to the top of the mast.

When you’re at Aotea (Great Barrier Island), a visit to Smokehouse Bay is a must. Famous in the boating world as a haven for those who’ve spent time at sea, it has a special atmosphere all of its own.

We paddled our rafts ashore for dinner and enjoyed chatting with fellow boaties anchored in the bay.

With full tummies and weary bodies, we made our way back to the ship for a well-earned night’s sleep, ready to recharge for another adventure tomorrow.

Log: 13/2

We filled our day hiking and sailing the luggers (small sailing boats) at Aotea (Great Barrier Island). Lunch was hot dogs in a secluded bay, with plenty of teamwork, problem-solving, and navigation along the way. We swam in a creek, embraced a bit of rain and mud, and kept a great attitude throughout. Fun times with our shipmates!

Log: 14/2

We hauled anchor and waved farewell to Aotea, setting the sails to catch a steady northerly that carried us across the Hauraki Gulf. We passed Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island), cloaked in cloud, and continued on into Kawau Bay.

There, we rigged up the yard swing and cooled off with a swim in the warm water. After an exciting evening filled with fun and games, we settled in for a peaceful night at anchor.

Log: 15/2

Today was another chance to strengthen friendships while putting our newly learned skills into practice one last time. We enjoyed an exciting time setting the sails and tacking the ship through the calm waters of Kawau Bay, and it was rewarding to see how far everyone has come over the course of this voyage of discovery.

Log: 15/2

Trainee Day is underway! Forty land-loving teenagers have officially transformed into sailors and taken command of the ship.

Their elected crew have plotted a course that keeps us in shelter from the south-westerly where possible, and we’re now heading down to Motuihe for the night.

Log: 16/2

Trainee day was a success! We're coming into Auckland this morning and everyone is making the most of the last few hours with their shipmates.