Log: 27/2

At 1400 hrs, 41 teenagers boarded the Spirit of New Zealand. Over the afternoon, they found a bunk, explored the ship, loaded a huge amount of food, and left the dock waving to those left behind. After anchoring at Motuihe Island, it was time for dinner, followed by a sunset swim.

Log: 28/2

We put up the sails, practising the skills involved. We also learnt about ship jargon and commands. It was a lovely, clear, and extremely hot day, so we went for three swims throughout the day. We're starting to norm.

Log: 29/2

It was freezing cold when we got up for our morning swim, and we wore road cone outfits for most of the day due to the weather. We learned some essential knots used around the ship. In the afternoon, we anchored and rafted to Motu Ihe Island, which was a good test of communication and pushed the limits of our teamwork. We began to storm.

Written by Millie and Amy :)

Log: 2/3

We started the fourth day with our morning swim, followed by breakfast and daily colours. We set our sails and finally headed towards a new destination. Without the use of a motor, the voyage was rough and a few fellow crew members fed the fish. We had the opportunity to climb the mast and go out on the yard to get the sails ready to set. At the end of a great sail, we arrived at Great Barrier Island. We can’t wait to see what is in store for tomorrow.

Written by Ceara and Willa

Log: 3/3

Today we started the day with a swim in cold southerly winds at Great Barrier Island. Then we learnt how to sail the luggers with the help of James in our new groups. We learnt how to tack and gybe. After lunch, it was time to climb the foremast. At the top, we climbed along to the end of the royal and had a beautiful view. In the afternoon, we got the swing out, which hangs at the course. We had some swings and backflips into the water. For dinner, we took the rafts and paddled to Smokehouse Bay, where we ate Lisa's fabulous meal, had a singsong, and paddled back in the dark.

Written by Liam and David

Log: 4/3

Today our swim was freezing. We went to Kaikoura Island for a 5-hour hike and saw marine life while we were having lunch on top of the cliff. We paddled back and had an hour of quiet time, followed by a swim. We celebrated Jade's 18th birthday with cake and singing after dinner. Tonight there is a lunar eclipse, so we’re staying up later than usual to see it. Gute Nacht.

Written by: Lucy, Iris, Connor, David, Leo, Levi, Isaiah, Tony & Will xoxo

Log: 5/3

Today our swim was even more freezing!

We motored through the narrow Man O’ War Passage of Great Barrier and then set sail for Tāwharanui. We practised tacking, saw lots of marine mammals, and had the most amazing steak and cheese pie for lunch. We sailed some more and did some very close-quarters, team-building deck games. Next, we're off to the Spirit Olympics!

Written by Amy and Azariah :)

Log: 6/3

Today our swim was a lot warmer than the other days. After breakfast we motored around to Goat Island Marine Reserve for a snorkel. On our way back, we saw some marine mammals.

We then motored around to Kawau Island and anchored outside Mansion House, where we paddled ashore for dinner on the beach. Before heading in, we elected our trainee crew, with Julius as our Captain, who will take us to our next adventure tomorrow.

⚓🤙🤗

Written by Maxton and Flynn

Log: 7/3

Trainee Day: an action-packed day that was planned and executed really well. The culmination of 10 days getting to know each other, working as a team, and learning the ship really paid off. What did we get up to? Well, you’ll need to ask the crew of Voyage 936.

By the time this is posted it will be Day 10, and we will have arrived back where we started - no longer strangers and having been through an amazing experience together.