YTH2407 – Ra Tuatoru – Day 3

As the sun rose, trainees splashed into the water, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Into chores, the trainees hold a sense of pride as the deck begins to shine and the chopped veggies are scattered across the table. With wind and shine on our side we set out, each trainee assigned to their new sail station, excited to learn.

We had a beautiful sail out to the the hole in the rock, enjoying a wholesome soup for lunch on the way. “All aboard!” We piled into the tender, half the team at a time, to check out the caves and go through the hole. The sounds of song danced through the bay as the second team sung karakia’s as they headed under the archway. With smiles beaming it was time to move to the next mini venture, so off we set for Deep Water Cove.

Having spent a wonderful morning above the water, it was time to explore the wonders below. The team were stalked by schools of snapper as they dove to say hello and hold kina. Back on the ship we enjoyed a hot shower, hot chocolate and chocolate fish to warm our bodies as we headed into marine lessons, games, and our nighttime anchorage.

We are safely anchored in Urapukapuka Bay for a nice night in. Signing out to go enjoy a dinner of roast lamb chops, sausages, chips, steamed veggies and cheese sauce. It smells so good!

R Tucker Thompson