Log: 15/4

Trainee Day was a huge success – well done, everyone.

As we near the final day of our voyage, it’s time for a full deep clean of the ship. We’ve been busy onboard, and with so many people, it’s important we give the ship some attention, getting into all the nooks and crannies to keep her in pristine condition.

After the mahi is done, it’ll be time for some fun, with swimming and activities planned. We’ll also begin making our way closer to Auckland.

There are still 24 hours left of the voyage, and we’ll be making the most of every moment, enjoying time with our new friends and shipmates.

Log: 14/4

Trainee Day has begun! Yesterday afternoon was our final crew-led sail, where we nailed down our tacking skills and created opportunities for our leaders to shine.

After dinner, it was election time - we now have a trainee-run crew, including Captain, Cooks, Engineers, and everything in between. The next 24 hours are in the trainees’ hands.

It’s been a successful morning so far, with the morning swim and cleaning already done. The anchor is coming up and sails are being prepped as we write. We’re all set for a day of sailing, exploring, and swimming fun.

Log: 13/4

What a beautiful evening last night - our first cloudless night. The trainees spent the evening out on deck singing songs under the stars.

The sun is shining this morning and we are getting our rafts inflated, ready to go ashore to play some games and stretch our legs. Routines are now solid, with trainees even taking over running Colours (our morning formal ceremony).

Friendships are strong, and we’re excited to spend the last few days together in the drier weather.

Log: 13/4

What an epic sail we had this morning! A 25-knot southerly, then southwesterly wind propelled the ship across the Firth of Thames. It was rainy, it was windy, and we felt very much alive!

We came to anchor at Man O’ War Bay, where we enjoyed some indoor activities and had a chance to dry out a bit as the winds peaked around 4pm. The wind has now eased back to a steady 20–25 knot westerly, and the rain has tapered off.

To round off a great day, we’ve got some fun and games planned for this evening once all the dinner dishes are done.

It’s shaping up to be a very peaceful night, and we’re looking forward to a good night’s sleep and improving weather when we wake tomorrow.

Log: 13/4

As the ex-tropical cyclone moves down the country, the wind for Spirit has veered to the southwest and west for the afternoon and evening.

Today the adventure continues as we haul anchor and head across the Firth of Thames, bound for Waiheke Island. With a southerly at around 25 knots, it should be a fun sail across, with both trainees and crew eager to feel the salty sea air.

Spirit will be anchored in the shelter of Waiheke this afternoon and evening, with average westerly winds of 20–30 knots, and stronger gusts of up to 40 knots expected between 3pm and 6pm. This is very manageable and business as usual for our experienced crew.

The wind will then gradually ease overnight, veering further to the northwest to north-northwest, before dropping away tomorrow morning.

The current weather warnings for rain, flooding, and coastal inundation do not affect us, and we are happy and well onboard the beautiful Spirit. Our thoughts are with those who are impacted by the weather.

Log: 12/4

Good morning everyone! The ship fared very well overnight, and the winds were not as fierce as expected. The trainees had a good night’s sleep and are energised for another good, albeit wet, day onboard.

With the rain falling and the seas a bit turbulent, it was decided to forego the morning swim and instead run through the spray from the fire hydrant on the aft deck playing paper, scissors, rock which brought on plenty of squeals and laughter, with everyone hoping to win on the first go.

Afterwards, it was time for a nice warm breakfast to fill the belly and fuel the body.

Log: 12/4

Well, it has been a very busy and energetic day. We’re now snug inside the ship, with the sound of laughter and chatter coming from the aft cabin as the trainees wind down with their peers.

The crew are ready, with plans in place to tend to the ship overnight as the wind increases. Everyone is in good spirits, and the ship is strong and built to handle these conditions.

To all the families and communities out there, stay safe and dry.

Log: 12/4

Afternoon update. The wind is sitting around 20 knots, gusting to 30, so really not too bad at all. The sea is a bit choppy but there’s no swell. We’ve had some light drizzle pass through, but it’s still relatively warm.

All is very well on the ship. We’ve had a busy morning, with the trainees achieving another of their goals by climbing to the very top of the foremast. With the added challenge of the wind, this was an absolute highlight.

They’ve also had a lesson on reading and using charts as a build-up to navigation. Now that lunch has settled, they’re out enjoying a swim, the yard swing, and even doing backflips off the side of the ship! They’re having a blast and making the most of every opportunity.

Stay tuned for another update later tonight.

Log: 11/4

Good morning e te whānau.

The wind picked up from around 0500 and is currently sitting at 20 knots, gusting up to 35 knots. The sea remains smooth, so all is well on board and life continues as normal.

The trainees are busy with their morning chores, cleaning the ship both on deck and below, as well as assisting the cook with preparing vegetables.

We will remain at anchor today, making the most of the shelter provided by the land. There are plenty of activities planned to keep everyone engaged and having fun, while the crew continue to closely monitor the weather forecasts.

Log: 11/4

We have arrived at a safe and calm anchorage after a very pleasant sail. The trainees have been practising tacking the ship and are beginning to understand how it all comes together. Along the way, they’ve also enjoyed a range of deck games, building teamwork and leadership skills while having plenty of fun.

To round off the day, we were treated to a truly spectacular sunset.

Log: 10/4

⚓ Anchors aweigh - we waved farewell to Aotea, thanks for having us. We are now underway, sails set, with 20 knots of wind and a slightly choppy sea. Our destination is the Firth of Thames. Morale is high as we continue our adventure, and in the words of Brooke, “We are HAPPY!!!”

Log: 10/4

The trainees headed ashore today for a hike up Mount Hobson. It’s been a misty, moody day here in Aotea, with the group walking through beautiful bush and enjoying plenty of conversation along the way. They returned tired and muddy, so a swim was the perfect way to freshen up before a hearty dinner of beef stew and mashed potato, followed by a delicious dessert. Safe to say, everyone will sleep well tonight.

Tomorrow we’ll set sail and begin our passage back towards the Firth of Thames, making the most of the current calm conditions before the winds and sea state begin to build with the incoming cyclone. We’re keeping a close eye on it and plan to be well sheltered behind the hills of the southern Coromandel Peninsula ahead of its arrival. The rain won’t trouble us - it simply runs off the deck and returns to the ocean.

Log: 9/4

We woke to the sound of rain pattering on the deck. It was a challenge stepping out into the rain in your togs before jumping into the water - but it was well worth it. After a hearty breakfast, we hauled the anchor and set the sails, destined for Aotea (Great Barrier Island).

Helming (steering) the ship, learning knots, and tending the sails provided plenty of learning opportunities along the way. The rolling seas made each task a little more challenging, adding to the sense of adventure.

Aotea appearing out of the mist was a welcome sight, and once we entered the sheltered waters of Port Fitzroy, the sea became completely still, with the ship resting quietly at anchor. Then it was time to freshen up with a fun swim and settle in for a relaxed evening with friends.

Log: 8/4

We spent the day sheltered behind the Coromandel Peninsula, which gave us nice calm seas and much less wind than other areas of the Hauraki Gulf. It was a day for learning more about the ship, including how to climb the mast safely, work with lines, and what to do in different situations at sea. We also set the sails for the first time, went for a short sail, and tacked the ship. Friendships are forming, teamwork is developing, and the trainees are discovering the enjoyment of life at sea, even in the rain!

Log: 7/4

Nau mai, haere mai Voyage 940!

Trainees arrived from all around the country and stepped onboard the ship, both excited and a little nervous. They were soon put to work loading stores and preparing the ship for the voyage ahead.

We cast off the lines at around 1630 and motored out of the Waitematā Harbour, through the Tāmaki Strait, and across the Firth of Thames, arriving at a sheltered anchorage off Deadman’s Point, south of Manaia Harbour, at around 2100. The anchorage provided good protection from the windy conditions and a very comfortable night’s sleep.

The adventure has begun…