And the winner is….
Dargaville High Schoool!! It was a nail biting finish with Otamatea leading until early this morning. But the crew reviewed all the scores, considered the overall team effort and tallied up all the results and declared that by a whisker of a cat-o-nine tail, that Dargaville had taken the trophy.
The certificates were handed out to all sail trainees with the results still not known; Captain uncle Steve sang his song of farewell to the trainees and then Belinda Peddie from Top Energy and Graham Dawson from Northpower put them out of their suspense. They spoke to the youngsters of the great opportunity they had had over the past 7 days and ho ped that they would take memories of this week with them for the rest of their lives.
The winning team got the beautiful Tai Tokerau Challenge 2012 trophy to take back to their school, together with an R. Tucker Thompson fleece. In recognition of the excellent and strong effort from Otamatea, they were awarded teeshirts each.
Ngapuhi haka
Following that there was a beautiful speach of thanks from the sail trainees, a stiring Nga puhi haka and an acknowledgement from one of the parents of the awesome experience they had been fortunate to enjoy.
So well done Kaipara district, we are still waiting for a Far North win!
Read MoreDay Six Squalls at Cape Brett
The trainees had a great birthday evening, including a birthday cake made by Jessica and Ngature and toffee apples made by Christine and Nathan for the pudding challenge.
The evening celebrations went on until 10pm and then it was time for bed. With the wind picking up tomorrow was set to be a big day.
The trainees were up before 7am and waiting for Captain Steve to open the sea gate and let the swimming competition continue. Everyone jumped in together but Opononi were first around the ship with Otamatea a close second then Dargaville,Whangaroa, Pompallier, Kaitaia. There was a bit of a traffic jam on the way round which caused some mayhem!
The trainees were then washed and into their chores. They are well into the routine of things now! After breakfast the ship was packed up with everything stowed securely before we headed out and around Cape Brett. With 50 knot squalls and heavy rain everyone was up on deck and in wet weather gear. Half the trainees had a good ride on the bow sprit with whoops of joy before it got too rough and everyone headed down the back of the ship. Most trainees sat at the back and dozed or watched with amazement as the waves crashed on board the deck and the ship rolling with each wave. It was pretty rough out there and all trainees dealt with it extremely well.
It took us a bit of time to punch into the wind and around the cape but once there we steamed ahead to Whale Bay.
It took us 5 hours to get there but onced anchored the smiles were from ear to ear. A true adventure on the high seas! Well done everyone!
Since most trainees had emptied their stomachs on the way, there was some very very hungry kids waiting for lunch. Frankfurters went down a treat and then it was time to dry out and tidy up before heading onto the next challenge. Rowing!
Everyone had had a good practice so the competition was high. With lots of encouragement from everyone each group made it successfully around the ship in record times. Opononi came in first with 1.05 minutes followed by Dargaville and Otamatea joint second then Pompallier and Whangaroa joint third and then Kaitaia just missed out with 1.36 minutes. Well done Leon and Mita!
Everyone is now practicing their monkeys fist for the throwing challenge which will now take place tomorrow as the sun is going down and everyone has had a full day.
So scores at this stage stand at:
Otamatea 49
Dargaville 38
Opononi 37
Whangaroa 32
Pompallier 29
Kaitaia 26
Otamatea has a bit of a lead but there are more points to be given for the day and more challenges tonight so there might be a big change tomorrow.
Quizzes and skits still to go tonight and points for lessons have yet to be awarded!
Kylie has now managed to get the roast pork into the oven and Annick and Zoe are the final trainees to do the pudding challenge. So a big and final night still to come!
Read MoreDay 5 Happy Mothers Day and Happy Birthday Leon!
We had a great sail to Whangamumu with the sun coming down and all trainees up on deck having loads of fun getting to know each other and talking about their different lives.
Michael and Michelle made a great dessert of apple, fejioa and pear crumble (which I have to say is my all time favorite) and dinner was eaten early up on deck with a great sunset as a back drop.
Mita and Jaelyn got into a bit of fishing and a carpet shark was caught much to the amazement of all the trainees. Morning swim was mentioned a few times though!!!
We caught up on a few lessons that evening then it was time for bed. We had been up since 4am and although everyone was on a huge high there were many sleepy faces.
Before bed we did our usual highs and lows with most trainees saying the snorkeling and the dolphins were the highs for the day. Captain Steve then announced a few points scored that day. Points going to Leon and Mita who had been helping the crew and other trainees all day, Michael who braved the heights and furled topsails despite wobbly legs and Zoe who did best dolphin call.
So total tally of scores at the end of day 4 are all very close and are as follows:
Pompallier 14
Opononi 13
Otamatea 12
Kaitaia 10
Dargaville and Whangaroa tie with 8.
It’s a close competition and at this stage and anyone can still win with 3 more days to go!
Everyone slept well and were ready to go in the morning. Captain Steve had offered extra points for the morning swim if groups swam around the ship! So at 7am precisely and with trainees sleeping in their togs a surprise 1st went to Kaitaia followed by Opononi, Otamatea, Pompallier, Dargaville and then Whangaroa. Everyone swam around the ship for extra points. Well done to Jessica and Ngature!!
It was a wonderful sunrise this morning in the mouth of Whangamumu harbour. Everybody had enjoyed their morning swim and chores were done quickly and breakfast wolfed down.
No one had been to shore since day 1 and all trainees wanted to go to the beach. Whangamumu has an old whaling station and a beautiful waterfall so it was the perfect place. Mita was the only one brave enough to get into the fresh cool waterfall.
Everyone felt much better after a run a round although some experienced a bit of land swaying after spending so much time at sea. It was straight onto another challenge with me being promoted to Queen and the trainees rowing me around the ship in the dinghy. A crown and sceptre were made especially for the occasion and Captain Steve officially promoted me to Queen. There were different strategies with some rowing, some using the ship and others pulling the dinghy around. Everyone was pretty puffed at the end and competition high.
Otamatea came first with great technique followed by Dargaville with a surprise second, then Whangaroa, Kaitaia, Opononi and then Pompallier.
Well done to Michelle and Michael!!
After the trainees enjoyed a good lunch of lasagne and with one of them unfortunately throwing most of the cutlery overboard by mistake, when rinsing the dishes, we headed out to do some fishing.
A fishing competition then began! Some huge snapper were immediately caught and everyone thought they were in for a chance. However, after the first flurry the bites stopped coming and eventually we called a stop. Nathan caught the largest snapper and came first with Jaelyn catching the largest kahawai.
We have 2 big things today, it’s Leon’s 16th birthday and Jessica and Ngature have made him a huge chocolate birthday cake and it’s also mothers day. So a BIG Happy Birthday to Leon, celebrations to follow, and for all the mothers and family reading this blog I have messages for you from the trainees.
“Happy Mothers Day Sheree” from Nathan
“Happy Mothers Day mother” love from Jessica 
“Happy Mothers Day mummy! P.S I caught 3 little fishies today!” lots of love Zoe xox
“Happy Mothers Day mum. Sorry there’s none of us there, none of us with you.” Ngature
“Happy Mothers Day! I’m having a good time and Dad you should be jealous! I got over my seasickness and I miss you all” lots of love Annick
To all the other mothers and family who may or may not be reading the blog your children wish you a Happy Mothers Day too!!!
Read MoreDay Four at the Poor Knights
As the sun set on another full day the trainees were getting tired but it was only early so another knot tying lesson was called on. I have to say all trainees have mastered our basic 5 knots in just 2 days and are now onto anything else they can get their hands on.
Jaelyn and Dahna were busy in the galley making their dessert and after dinner we had the big taste test. There was none left at the end and it was chocolate based so it had to be a big hit. I hear that it’s Michael and Michelle “M&M’s” turn tonight. The Edmonds cookbook is in full use this week!
So Captain Steve had good news and bad news for the trainees last night. The good news was there was no anchor watch but the bad news was that everyone had to be up at 4am. We were off to the Poor Knights! Hooray!!!
With that news we were all in bed by 10pm and it was a bleary eyed lot that got up 6hrs later. It was a dark but still night at Mimiwhangata when we awoke. Steve had safety officers Michael and Michelle checking the engine before we headed off and Leon and Mita were the only ones brave enough to head up aloft and unfurl the Topsil’s in the dark.
We set all sails as we headed out and the wind picked up the further we got. When all sails were set the trainees were allowed back to bed for another hour, however, Jaelyn, Michael and Leon stayed up the whole time.
The competition was put on hold today with an adventure day planned. No morning swim but everyone was keen to snorkel at the K nights!
At 7.30am everyone was up and chores were done underway, followed by breakfast up on deck. A few trainees suffered a bit of seasickness but most seem to have found their sea legs!
It was a beautiful morning as the sun rose and the Poor Knights looked invitingly at us. By 10am in sheltered waters we went snorkeling. Most trainees went in and were totally amazed at the marine reserves diversity of fish life. An experience none of them will forget.
After soup for lunch we started to head back to the mainland. We set the sails again and headed for Whangamumu. With the weather set to change it was good to make the most of the warm sunny day.
Read MoreDay three Off to Mimiwhangata
Jelly and ice cream success! We all had an amazing dinner of snapper and lamb chops with Jelly, ice cream and bread and butter pudding made by Leon and Mita as part of the pudding challenge.
It was then time to announce points for the day with Jaelyn receiving most for being an excellent crew member, by taking the initiative and helping out. Christine and Zoe also scored with the most tidy bunks.
All trainees are getting into the swing of things now and are leaping at all the opportunities available and keen to make full use of their time on board.
It was early to bed for everyone last night and anchor watch passed with no problems.
There was a rush in the morning for the first team in the water. Some trainees trying to get a head start were in the water first, however, they then had to get their team member up, and in, which proved more of a problem.
In the end Otamatea came first followed by Opononi, Pompallier, Kaitaia, Dargaville and Whangaroa. Well done Otamatea!
The wind had dropped and the sun was out and morning chores were done in record time. With breakfast dishes finished we set all sails and headed for Mimiwhangata.
All the trainees really enjoyed seeing the ship sail for the first time. The wind picked up and it wasn’t long before water was coming through the scuppers, to the delight and squeals of everyone. The big question on everyone’s lips was was the ship going to tip over??? After a bit of fun by the crew, all fears were put aside and Rob set about teaching everyone some knots for the knot competition.
Leon was the first trainee along the yards to unfurl the topsil’s and Zoe along with Annika, Nathan and Jessica took the helm and sailed the ship to Mimiwhangata. The swell had disappeared and the journey was enjoyed by all with no sign of anyone getting seasick.
Once anchored we enjoyed homemade pizza for lunch and then it was time for some fun. Snorkeling gear was prepared and most trainees headed out on the dinghy. Leon and Ngature went for a row together whilst Zoe and Annick practiced their monkeys fists.
After hot showers and hot chocolate it was onto a quick lesson on Tides before the great baggy wrinkle competition!
After a few false starts and a rematch Kaitaia came first, Pompallier a close second and Opononi and Whangaroa were runners up.
Spirits are high and everyone has had a great day.
The latest reports are that Jaelyn and Dahna are preparing Black forest self saucing pudding as part of the pudding competition. How will it compare to the homemade Jelly and bread and butter pudding????
Read MoreOff to Tutukaka….. Day Two Yth1203
Dinner last night was a great hit with everyone! All the trainees seem to have slipped into their new lives easily and are getting to know each other and making new friendships.
It had been a long day though, with many of them up early travelling to Whangarei so it wasn’t suprising that everyone was very tired. At 9pm and even before dessert the trainees were asking to go to bed already! So we did our usual high and low points for the day, with all trainees saying their high point was being on the ship, even those who had been reluctant and nervous getting on at the beginning.
Anchor watches were given out and by 9.30pm everyone was getting into bed. The seas were calm and the night warm….ish and all trainees managed to get out of bed and onto deck for their 2hr watch. Hot chocolate and a baggy wrinkle (the fluffy things in the rigging) lesson kept everyone going.
At 7am it was time for the first competition of the day. Morning Swim! First team in the water was Pompallier, then Otamatea, Opononi, Kaitaia, Dargaville, Whangaroa. So the first points have been scored and the teams are starting to talk strategies. Well done to Pompallier for coming first this morning but they might have to watch out tomorrow.
Morning chores followed with decks being scrubbed, floors mopped and brass polished. We were ready for the day.
After breakfast and a few lessons the main sail was set and we weighed anchor. With Nathan, Christine, Ngture and Jessica steering and navigating we headed for Tutukaka. A bit of swell on our way up caused a few people to re-examine their breakfast but everyone handled it very well with no complaints. Michael was at the helm all the way to Tutukaka singing and humming but feeling a bit guilty that he was having more fun than everyone else!
We anchored up and everyone was instantly feeling better and digging into lunch, happy to be out of the swell.
After lunch Leon managed to make a deal with Captain Steve offering that if he made Jelly would Steve buy him ice cream. So for dessert tonight it’s homemade jelly made by Leon and ice cream bought by Steve. So I hope the jelly sets and the freezers cold enough not to melt the ice cream!
After more lessons everyone was back on deck practicing throwing a line and rowing. All practice helps for the competition! Before it got dark we headed back out to pick up a fishing line Rob had set and to much excitement we caught a great sized snapper. Yum…… fish for dinner.
So still time for a few more points to be won tonight but for now everyone playing cards and waiting for dinner.
Read MoreYth1203 Taitokerau
An amazing hot and sunny start to the Taitokerau Challenge. What a change after yesterdays weather!
The trainees were a little quiet to begin with, maybe eyeing up the competition, but as soon as the name game started and everyone got to know each other there was no stopping them.
With a tour of the ship and everyone unpacked we dropped the anchor at Smugglers Bay. Soup and cheese scones were served for lunch and the trainees now hot in the sunshine were keen for a swim, however, safety drills were next on the agenda and the trainees had to wait.
We weighed anchor and headed for Urqhuarts Bay. Unfortunately, Fred (the rugby ball) fell overboard on the way but the trainees steamed into action. Leon was out on the bowsprit giving directions to Captain Steve and Michelle was chief pointer. Meanwhile Michael and Mita retrieved Fred and the life ring from the water.
It was straight onto the abandon ship drill and once anchored up life jackets were donned, food and water gathered along with all saftey flares etc and all 12 trainees left the ship onboard the dinghy. They weren’t gone long though as hot chocolate and banana cake were waiting for their return.
With the sun dropping fast there was just time for a quick swim, climb up the rig and chance to raise and lower the fore sail.
With dusk approaching everyone is now having a quick run around on the beach before heading back.
Kylie is busy in the galley preparing a great dinner of roast chicken which I’m sure is going to go down well and with a full afternoon of activities behind us everyone is going to enjoy their first evening onboard.
With everyone now settled in challenges will start tomorrow and the competition will begin!
Read MoreTai Tokerau Challenge departed today
12 students, 6 schools all competing for the one trophy! It was a good call to delay departure by a day as Wednesday dawned grey and cloudy, but by the time the youngsters had arrived at Marsden cove, the clouds had departed, the skies were blue and the temperature warm and balmy. Mount Manaia hovered above the clouds like some ethereal city in the sky and as the ship departued the clouds rolled away.
Teams from Dargaville, Otamatea, Pompallier College, Whangaroa College, Opononi Area School and Whangaroa will all be competing for the trophy. The first day will be spent doing safety drills and familiarisation on board, most likely inside the harbour.
Our thanks go to Northpower and Top Energy for their sponsorship. And may the best team win!
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