Log: 17/2

The trainees joined the ship this afternoon and got settled in our accommodation, then went right into learning about the ship! We toured around the ship learning things to keep ourselves safe, like where the emergency alarms are and how to put on life jackets. Before dinner, we played some really fun games to get to know each other's interests and names, and were laughing with our new mates. For dinner we had a delicious curry and then ice cream for dessert before turning in for bed. We're stoked to head off in the morning for our adventure around the Hauraki Gulf!

Log: 18/2

Yesterday we had breakfast at the wharf and then we let go the lines! First job was stowing all of our mooring lines, and then we enjoyed a cruise to Waiheke Island. A nice calm anchorage at Te Whau Point was perfect to have our first swim...some huge manus and awesome challenge for the team jumping off the ship! After lunch we set the Main, Mizzen, and Topsail for the first time and sailed to Motuihe! After striking and stowing our sails, it was time for debriefs with our watches and then sausages for dinner. A huge day and everyone was ready for a good sleep tonight - thank you to our night watch team for keeping us and the ship safe!

Log: 19/2

At 0630 we were on deck for a morning swim! After breakfast, colours, and cleaning we inflated our rafts and paddled ashore to Motuihe with our watches. There were beach games, sand castle competitions, and explorations down the beach for the morning. After a paddle back to the ship, we hauled the rafts, pontoon, and swimming nets up so that we could set sail! The wind was perfect for setting a lot of sail: 2 headsails, 3 squares, the main, and the mizzen and turned the engine off as we sailed towards Kawau Island. Lots of the team had a go steering the ship and everyone was on to it hoisting and adjusting sails. We had a beautiful sail and then found a nice calm anchorage in Kawau Bay where we struck and stowed our sails for the night. After a delicious stew for dinner we were exhausted and ready for bed!

Log: 20/2

A big day! In the morning we faced one of our biggest challenges yet - climbing to the top of the 27.5m foremast! The team were super brave and pushed their comfort zones, with lots of smiles, cheers, and support for each other. While half the team were climbing the rigging, the other half learned to sail our small lugger boats all around Kawau Bay and practice knots with Captain Nic. At the end of the day we reflected on our voyage, highlights, and challenges and wrote letters to our future selves about all we've experienced and want to remember. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying our last night with our new mates and the ship