Log: 17/4

Voyage 916 is underway! With our new ship’s company embracing the wind and stormy skies we made passage to the safe and sheltered anchorage of Motuihe. Two anchors out for extra hold, a hot dinner and getting to know each other is how we’ll spend the evening.

Log: 17/4

Mōrena ki a koutou, we are still safely anchored off of Motuihe after a windy night. We rose early and braved the moana for our first morning swim to wake us up for a day full of adventure! After a delicious hot breakfast and gathering for 'Colours' we have cracked into some cleaning to keep everything shipshape, even pirates have to do the dishes. Overheard from the team scrubbing the deck - "this is actually so much fun!"

Log: 18/4

We are having a great time on the Spirit. We have moved to an ideal anchorage off Ponui, where it is calm and we are sheltered from the wind! The trainees love the adventure and are looking forward to a big lunch!

Log: 18/4

Well our first full day onboard has almost come to an end and we are settling into shipboard life. Today was all about getting to know one another, learning names, starting to work in teams and problem solve together. We have practiced climbing the mast and even learnt to speak sailor! We have eaten heaps of delicious food including freshly baked gingernuts to comfort those still finding their sealegs. Tonight we are enjoying a calm anchorage with a roast dinner on the menu, and there is lots of fun still to be had before the day is over yet...

Log: 18/4

After a peaceful night's sleep and a refreshing morning swim, another day of adventure is on the cards today. As I write, all around me is the sounds of a busy crew, cleaning, cooking, laughing, and preparing the ship for sea, with the fierce winds finally abating we will soon be raising the sails and heading off to explore new islands and make new memories...

Log: 20/4

It’s still breezy, but the wind has greatly decreased, and we are having a blast. We are heading to the Coromandel to find a great place to anchor. We have had lots of fun and games ashore at Kawau, including some awesome manu's off the wharf! And the trainees are all connecting and making this an epic adventure.

Log: 20/4

After an epic sail into the night we arrived in Coromandel Harbour, cruising through bioluminescent waves. Today Easter is upon us, and even at sea it seems the Easter Bunny pays a visit, although we will have to follow some treasure maps made by the crew and utilise our newfound sailing skills to enjoy some chocolate today!

Log: 22/4

After yesterday's Easter Adventure Race (including visits from some pretty special marine life I'm sure the troops will fill you in on back home) we decided we needed even more adventure in our lives and have spent today conquering the mast climb and snorkelling around a nearby reef. The views were epic! After developing our leadership skills some more we have shifted over to Waihihi Bay ahead of even MORE adventure tomorrow... we can't wait!

Log: 23/4

Today we stretched our landlegs and went for a hīkoi in Waharau Regional Park, the forest was filled with the chatter of strengthening friendships as we climbed into the hills above our fine vessel before rafting back to the ship and going for a swim. Tired legs today after enjoying all that the moana and ngahere has to offer, luckily another delicious dinner is on the menu tonight as the suns sets over the Firth of Thames. Pō mārie.

Log: 23/4

Kia ora e hoa mā, Day 8 has been action packed! We have been learning all about navigation, values, practiced some rafting, done some flips off the swing as the sun rose, and of course we went sailing. Once our sailing skills had been honed some more we enjoyed the coveted quiet time, a chance to recharge after a voyage filled up with adventure so far. We can't wait to tell you all about it when we get home.

Log: 25/4

Day 9 has arrived which means Trainee Day has begun, for the next 24 hours the trainees are in charge of the ship. They have elected their own Captain and crew and will surely take us on a grand adventure using all of the skills they have learnt so far - sailing, leadership, engineering, teamwork, navigation, communication, friendship, and resilience. Believe it or not we now know what all these ropes and sails are! Tonight we are anchored off Ponui Island, and plans are being hatched for an epic day tomorrow... Trainee Day of V916 here we come!