Wha Ra
From the Good Ship R.Tucker Thompson, way inside the Bay at Toretore on the end of Te Wahapu Peninsula. Full day after swim and duties, sail handling on score as the trainees hoisted mainsail, foresail and headsails for a quiet sail out to dump food scraps and settle into the rhythm of wind direction, strength and wave action. Pinder on the helm then Zeran, Jedi chilled aloft on the crosstrees, Paora out on the bowsprit, guitar on deck with wild waiata and laughter, chore done head for a lunchtime anchor in Waewaetorea Passage, another cake, dishes complete and wetsuit sizing as the trainees in anticipation of a secret adventure headed to the tiny bay that conceals Taniwha Cave. A geological feature of weathering, solid basalt remains, a tunnel eroded by oceanic swells. Arriving at the entrance the trainees form a train and pass through the opening into darkness then rounding a short bend, light and a tame swell greets them into a sheltered lagoon environment. Laughter and nervous screams echo from the ceiling. Back to the ship for a deck shower and hot chocolate. Covenant refusing to use the ladder dragged himself up off the rubbing strake and over the rail. Resting time before setting the sails again in preparation for tomorrow. Cole and Tui man the topping lifts, Emma takes the reef lines off then moves to the Foresheet. Edina masters the peak halyard, Zeran the throat , Paora and Julina stand by the downhauls. Forward Covenant replaces the guitar with a halyard, Jedidah across the deck from him, Lexus follows the downhaul. Chastity busy coiling lines while Pinder on the helm directs proceedings, smooth operators day four. The passage back into the inner harbour saw Paora and Covenant singing from above, Cole and Jedi in deep Rubicks cube conversation as the camera passed around for posed photos and sunset shots. Just on dark we arrived in the lee of Toretore, sails lowered and stowed. Below decks dinner was warming the ship a quick class and then trainees discuss and organise the events for tomorrow.
Ma te wa
