Captain's Log: Fri 27 Mar
Log: 27/3
We woke to a still, foggy morning. As we motored up the harbour to Princes Wharf, the trainees made the most of the time, taking selfies and reminiscing about the voyage. We are now alongside the wharf, with family and friends eager to welcome them back and hear all their stories.
See you later, everyone - safe travels home. Remember, you are now part of the Spirit Whānau.
Captain's Log: Thu 26 Mar 26
Log: 26/3
This voyage has flown by in the blink of an eye. This last day with our new family has been filled with rain and wind but it didn't stop our fun. Lots of indoor activities filled with laughter and bonding. We will all be sad to go our separate ways tomorrow, after sharing this experience together. Life-long friendships have been made - the world is a small place so we will likely meet up again somewhere, somehow, sometime. But for now, we have one last night together and are making the very most of it.
written by Evija and Brooke
Captains Log: Thu 26 Mar
Log: 26/3
Wow, what a lot of amazing talent these trainees have! The talent quest was very entertaining last night - full of fun, laughter, and plenty of wow moments.
We were lulled to sleep by the gentle movement of the ship and the sound of rain falling on the deck, none of which caused us any issues overnight. The heavy rain simply runs off into the sea, and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy with our shipmates.
Captain's Log: Weather Update 2
Log: 26/3
The ship is sitting very still at anchor at Motu Ihe Island. We’ve got 20-knot NE winds with periodic light showers. Morale and excitement levels are high onboard, with a talent quest happening this evening.
Captain's Log: Weather Update
Log: 25/3
The ship is sailing towards Motu Ihe Island in preparation for the strong winds forecast. Motu Ihe will provide a safe, sheltered anchorage to ride out the conditions tonight and tomorrow.
At the moment, there’s a steady 20kt wind with light rain. Here in the Hauraki Gulf, the land is blocking any significant swell, so we’re enjoying a nice, steady sail. All is well, and the trainees are having a great day taking charge of the ship.
Captain's Log: Tue 24 Mar
Log: 25/3
Today we set sail and waved farewell to Great Barrier Island, heading towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The easterly wind is building, and Coromandel has provided us with a very nice sheltered anchorage.
Along the way, after lunch, the trainees enjoyed some nap time, rocked to sleep by the motion and sounds of the ship. It was a great chance to recharge their batteries and reflect on all they’ve learned and experienced over the past week, as they prepare for Trainee Day.
Captain's Log: Mon 23 Mar
Log: 24/3
Trekking up Mt Hobson to Mt Heale Hut was the mission for the day. Packed lunches, plenty of extra water, and a positive attitude were the recipe for success. It rained a bit, but the camaraderie and chats along the way made the trek easier.
The view from the hut, looking out over the island and out to sea, was beautiful. Once back at the ship, the trainees enjoyed a refreshing swim to wash away the mud and ease tired muscles. Everyone will sleep very well tonight!
Captain's Log: Sun 22 Mar
Log: 23/3
Today has been a day of achievements while enjoying the scenery of the majestic Great Barrier Island. Climbing to the top of the mast and learning to sail small boats have been the main challenges, but alongside that there have been many other activities and general shipboard jobs to take care of. It’s great to see how everyone is stepping up and taking charge of tasks around the ship now that they’ve spent a week onboard.
Captain's Log: Sat 21 Mar
Log: 22/3
We had an EPIC day … starting off early and heading out to the Mokohinau Islands for some snorkeling. We were treated to spectacular wildlife encounters and enjoyed a day full of excitement. Along the way, we also got in some sail handling and tacking practice. It was a huge day, so everyone definitely appreciated heading off to their bunks.
Captain’s Log: Fri 20 Mar
Log: 21/3
Good evening from all onboard!
Today was a shore day. The trainees headed ashore for a walk up to the airfield on Kaikoura Island, making the most of the chance to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. We then returned to the ship for the afternoon, where we enjoyed a big pool party followed by some team activities.
Captain's Log: Thu 19 Mar
Log: 20/3
After a lovely night at anchor under the Moehau Ranges and a refreshing morning swim, we set plenty of sail and headed for Great Barrier Island. The trainees enjoyed the motion of the ship under sail, the sound of the wind in the sails, and the water as we cut through it.
Along the way, we had a chartwork lesson and a deck swim (also known as getting under the fire hydrant) to cool off. While under the spray, it was time for a game of paper, scissors, rock - accompanied by plenty of squeals and laughter.
Once at anchor and with the sails all stowed, we enjoyed a roast pork dinner and finished the evening with some stargazing. This is the life!
Captain's Log: Wed 18 Mar
Log: 19/3
The trainees learnt how to climb the rigging and handle ropes safely, before setting the sails for the first time. There was very little wind, so we had to motor sail, but putting the sails up was still a great learning experience.
After reaching our anchorage at Motuwi Island off the Coromandel Peninsula, we had a well-deserved afternoon swim to cool off. Everyone is starting to settle into the shipboard routine, and their eagerness to make the most of every opportunity is clear.
Captain's Log: Tue 17 Mar
Log: 18/3
The adventure of Voyage 938 has begun! We threw off the mooring lines and departed Princes Wharf at 1700, motoring out to Motu Ihe Island for our first night. Friendships are already forming as the trainees get to know their shipmates. There are jobs to be done around the ship, such as veggie prep and cleaning, before we head off to bed and get ready for a day of discovery and learning about sailing.
