YTH 2411 – Ra Tuatoru – Day 3

What an amazing sail! Today our main challenge was taking advantage or the westerly winds. For this we set a very simple goal of sailing to Whangamumu from our anchorage at Oke Bay. We got going motoring out setting sail as we went the further we got the better the wind for sailing all the way around the hole in the rock around to the harbour.

Along the way we did some climbing up the foremast and out on the bowsprit enjoying the excitement of the ship being underway. When we got to the hole in the rock we did a lesson on wearing ship (jibing for non square rigged sailors), before continuing on our way. Unfortunately while we were sailing in the lee of the cape the wind swung around and we had to strike sail and motor the last little bit of the way.

After lunch we did a bit of a fishing, swimming and game session while enjoying some chocolate chip cookies. We managed to get 5 keepers which the crew have filleted for lunch tomorrow. Next we explored the old whaling station and the waterfall behind it before returning for more fishing and our lamb chop dinner. Later tonight we are gonna go ashore for a game or two of spotlight!