Log: 7/2

Voyage 911 is underway in search of adventure and learning. The first morning swim done in a balmy 22 degree sea then in for a hearty breakfast to set us up for a day of learning the ropes, the sails, how to climb and how to be safe. Now that that is done its time to haul the anchor and sail off to the Coromandel Peninsula in search of a good anchorage and a nice beach to have. Friendships and watches (teams) are developing nicely, there are smiles all round.

Log: 10/2

Day 3
Coromandel was spectacular! We found a beautiful white sandy beach, blew up the rafts and paddled ashore for some fun and games. Then back to the ship, hauled the boats back onboard, set the lots of sails and sailed 44 nautical miles, to Great Barrier Island.

Day 4
We woke up to stunning scenery, surrounded by bush clad hills and glassy waters. The morning swim was so inviting that we didn't want to get out, but we had a huge day planned so no time to waste. We launched the luggers (small sailing boats) and 2 watches set out in them for the morning while the other 2 watches went ashore to hike in the bush from Kiwiriki Bay to Bushes Beach, Kaiararara, where they met the 2 sailing watches for lunch. In the afternoon we swapped over and did it all in reverse. Now back at the ship the mahi must be done to retrieve all the boats, but not before a swim to revitalise everyone. Dinner smells great, thanks to our wonderful cook we will eat lamb chops, cheesy potato bake and veges, followed up by cheesecake. YUM!!! This is the life!

Log: 12/2

Yesterday we went to Glenfern Regional park and did some mahi to help them out. After that they headed up one of the walks there to visit a spectacular Kauri tree, This morning started off a little differently from our normal routine. We delayed our morning swim in order to venture through a cool sea cave. Afterwards we set sail and headed to anchor off Hauturu (Little barrier island) were we have set up the yard swing and a slide for a bit of a pool party.

Log: 14/2

Day 7 - Luckily, there was a lovely sailing breeze so we set sails and waved goodbye to Te Hauturu-o-Toi. We did a lot of tacking the ship, each watch having a turn at all 4 sail stations, getting them ready for Trainee Day. Tacking the ship is a bit like a dance, with each sail needing to be tacked at the right time for the ship to make it through the turn. The trainees did very well completing 8 tacks and then sailing the ship to Kawau Bay.

Day 8 - We have been climbing the mast to the very top, achieving a goal for a lot of trainees and then also doing an elective of either Navigation, Engineering or First Aid. After all that learning it is time for an afternoon swim to cool off before heading ashore for dinner at Mansion House Bay in Bon Accord Harbour. Big days, lots of achievements and fun rewards.