Starting the day with a sunrise swim, the trainees got into their morning tasks feeling awake and refreshed. With veggies prepped, the deck scrubbed, and below deck sparkling, the team came together for a feast of mince and mac’n’cheese on toast, cereals and fruit.
“Raise the anchor”, off we went! With sails raised, the trainees came together to discuss comfort and stretch zones, setting us up together for a variety of challenges throughout the voyage. With minds ticking and goals set, it was time for the trainees to climb up and over the rigging. We have a brave team, many of whom took the opportunity to stay up-top a little longer to admire the 360 degree views of the Bay.
Back in sail stations, we anchored up at Mangahawea Bay for a lunch of ham, coleslaw and fried onion wraps. More difficult than a tight pair of jeans from your youth, we shimmied into wetsuits. Fins, masks and snorkels allocated, buddies together, and safety clarified, we piled into the dingy to one of Northland’s top snorkelling spots. And what a spot it was. Fish, kina, mini caves and primo conditions made for a beautiful time in the water.
Back on the ship, we motored around to Waiwhāpuku, or Army Bay, of Moturua Island, where parent to parent facilitator Sam ran a fantastic “sib chat” discussion, allowing many of the trainees an opportunity to open up, and share their experiences.
Dinners up! The smell of delicious curry is wafting through the ship even as I write this. Following dinner and debrief we will be going on a kiwi walk adventure. The trainees are excited, as are we. A prime location to see them, we’re feeling hopeful a kiwi will come and introduce themselves.
A peaceful anchorage for the night, we look forward to checking in again tomorrow! Ka pai.
