Kia ora friends and family of the R. Tucker Thompson,
Day 4. What a wet and windy start to the day!
The intrepid trainees all braved the choppy seas, without much coaxing to plunge and refresh themselves ready for the day ahead. Some dolphins even came for a look, to the delight of those who were on deck.
With breakfast demolished, and the rain and wind lashing the ship the call to the classroom was sounded.
Time to spread out the charts, get ready the handheld compass, slide ruler and dividers and learn about navigation and passage planning. With latitude and longitude understood and coordinates found it was time to rest the brain and have some fun with a group indoor game called Mafia.
Halt, time to nourish the brain with some well-earned lunch.
The weather seemed to be calming down, with rain and wind easing.
How about a spot of bait fishing from the ship? Awatea, Phelyxz, Tupu, and Lexi were extremely focused on catching but it was Zamara, a first timer who had the only success throwing back a “tiddler, snapper.”
The sun came out, time for an afternoon sail in light wind, and practising of our new navigation skills. Great teamwork and communication demonstrated by all trainees, setting all the sails to get to our evening anchorage in Orokawa Bay. Zamara and Jana enthusiastically witnessed and participated in the intricate workings of the top sails.
Sails all stowed and the sun lowering, there was just enough time for a swim and “bombing” competition off the ship and Jana, Zamara, Kameta to complete aloft the Tucker challenge. Awesome leadership, support and encouragement displayed amongst all trainees. Fantastic work guys and congratulations on completing the Tucker challenge.
We are all looking forward to more “life at sea” adventures tomorrow.
Po Marie
