Well the trip is drawing to a close. From Kawau yesterday we set off and learned about tacking and tall ship luckily we had a few sailors amongst the trainees so they picked it up fast. It was tough trying to train them in little to no wind but as we practiced the wind came up a bit and so did everyone's skill level. On our way south we held an election in the aft cabin where the team sorted out who would have what jobs on trainee day. We finished yesterday in Mahurangi harbour and just before bed someone noticed the bioluminescence in the sea so the brave ones said yes to the opportunity for a swim. We turned off all the deck lights and let the swimmers shimmer. It looked like they were swimming in fairy dust.
Trainee day was a blast sailing south to Motu Ihe and cracking out the rope swing and raft slide for one last time. Tonight most are wishing they didn't have to go home. The others are looking forward to there own space, their own beds and a shower longer than 10 seconds. I've also heard a few say they are looking forward to being back with whanau and friends.

Kia Ora, It's been a busy couple days! Yesterday we had an awesome time bunkering down in Bon Accord for some beach games and fun times. Today we are getting some sailing in with tacking and gybing with some light winds which are forecast to die out this afternoon.

This morning we woke up to a jump jam dance party for morning up, vibing so much we didnt even notice the wind and cloud beginning to move in. We prepared the ship for gale force conditions, adding reefs to our sails and sail restrainers to the railings so we didnt go overboard! We departed Aotea Great Barrier, set our sails, and headed across the Craddock Channel. We were met with strong winds and earned our sea legs amongst 4m swell. The rocking put us all to sleep so we had a nice nap and quiet time, then struck and stowed our sails as we arrived to Bonaccord Harbour at Kawau Island. We ended the evening with a Singstar riff off competition (not much of a competition in the end, with Port B dominating all three rounds).

Mōrena koutou! We had a big day adventuring off the ship yesterday. In the morning we headed to Kaikoura Island for a tramp around the island and stopped at a beautiful over look for lunch. After a long paddle back to the ship we relaxed with a pool party, many of the team successfully mastering their backflips. In the evening we headed to Smokehouse Bay for dinner and a bonfire ashore. After some songs around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and greeting the local eagle ray, we paddled back to the ship in the dark and saw bioluminescence! After blueberry cheesecake for dessert and hauling the rafts up on deck, we were ready for a big sleep. More sailing tomorrow!

Tēnā koutou kātoa.
These girls are having the best time. Our day started with the regular morning swim, hot breakfast and morning cleaning. After cleaning, our trainees gathered into their watch groups and learnt about navigation and it's importance when sailing. After that lesson we had delicious jam tarts for morning tea and then got underway with setting sails. Yesterday's sail was a long haul to Great Barrier but everyone loved the extra time to catch up with each other on the way. An amazing bonus was seeing some dolphins on the way as well! We are now anchored in Port Fitzroy and are excited for this new day. Captains log written by Danika.

Ata marie e hoa mā. Yesterday started with an exercise we affectionately call "Boot camp" where the team paddled ashore, run for a bit and then swim back to the ship. With these chilly mornings the hot breakfast is so well deserved after an activity like that. After breakfast and clean up we headed ashore again to do a beach clean before setting sail for Motu Waimate where we arrived just as the sun was setting. It was a big day but these guys are giving it heaps. It's all good vibes as the team do their cleanup this morning i can hear a bunch singing Miley Cyrus as they wash the dishes.

Kia ora koutou katoa, our troops are doing awesome. Yesterday was spent getting the ship sailing and learning a lot about how to keep ourselves safe at sea. Once sailing we played a few ice breakers and focused on getting to know each other as well. Everyone is settling in nicely as we sailed to a place called Te Kouma harbour.

Morena whanau, voyage 944 is under way. Once everyone was boarded and all our stores loaded we set off spending our first night at Waiheke. We set about getting to know the ship and each other. Our first night was a bit rolly but everyone is figuring how to live at sea.