Log: 3/4

It has been an epic few days! On Day 6 many of us faced our biggest challenge by climbing to the top of the foremast to the royal yard. We also learned more about sailing by taking our lugger boats for a small adventure around Smokehouse bay and some of the little islands there. We had an awesome pool party with the rope swing, and finished off the day with a very loud but melodious SingStar competition. Day 7 was amazing from start to finiah we didn't even have time to write up a captains log! On the way to Port Abercrombie, a pod of huge common dolphins came along side and joined us for a swim! Then we headed to a rocky outcrop with a cave and went cliff jumping into calm deep blue water looking out over the Hauraki Gulf. We got back to the ship and set our sails, then enjoyed the best nap of our lives with a little quiet time on deck as we sailed towards the Coromandel. We arrived to Te Kouma as we stowed our sails, then headed ashore for dinner on the beach. We made a bonfire, roasted marshmallows, saw Jupiter through the telescope, sang songs, and shared some beautiful moments together about how proud we are of each other and ourselves. A paddle back under the stars and off to bed for a big sleep after an amazing day.

Log: 32/3

Tramp day! We got through our morning routine quickly so that we could head ashore at Kaiarara Bay. From there we did a big tramp all the way to the highest point on Aotea at Mount Hobson! The walk took us all day, so we got back to the ship just in time for a well earned dinner. The rest of the night was for resting, music, and rehydrating. The weather forecast came through for us and as the sun set the clouds cleared, so we ended the night with a beautiful stargazing session lead by our resident astronomer before turning in for a biiig sleep. More adventures tomorrow in Smokehouse Bay!

Log: 32/3

Today we headed north, learning more about sailing the ship and tacking. After a team leadership activity with our watches, we had pool party and got the yard swing set up to practice back flips and manus! After a tasty dinner and a loud game of playdough pictionary we headed to bed to get a good rest for our big tramp tomorrow!

Log: 31/3

Yesterday started out with launching the rafts, and a race to the beach at Mansion House Bay. We played a heap of fun beach games, relays, and competitions then enjoyed a well earned swim with some flips and manus off the wharf. After paddling back and a delicious satay for lunch, we set our sails and headed for Aotea Great Barrier. We had a beautiful sail across to Aotea, and common dolphins showed up alongside the ship! We played games to get to know our shipmates, and some fun challenges on deck to help build our watches' teamwork skills. Evening activity was striking and stowing all of our sails once we arrived at Whangaparapara. After some hard mahi stowing our sails we earned a delicious rocky road ambrosia for dessert, is so yum!

Log: 29/3

Yesterday was epic!! We had our first go climbing the rigging and learned how to speak sailor! We set our sails for the first time, and headed for Goat Island where we got to go snorkelling and meet some lovely snapper. The team also learned how to tie important knots we'll use during our voyage and made some baggywrinkles for the ship At the end of the day we made a voyage contract with our Captain, with all the awesome adventures we want to get up to on our voyage and how we're going to make it happen!

Log: 28/3

Nau mai haere mai Voyage 939! We joined the ship on a very sunny and warm Auckland afternoon and immediately got to work! Provisions got brought on board and we learned about how to take care of ourselves and the ship safely. We cast off the mooring lines, sailed out of Waitemata harbour, and found our sealegs (and the guitars and ukuleles) as we headed up to Kawau island. After anchoring we had dessert and got to know our crew and shipmates - we have an awesome team on board and are stoked for the challenge and adventures we're going have!!