THE SPIRIT OF NEW ZEALAND !

The ship in full sail

Well, the opportunity came up this weekend, to go sailing on 'The Spirit of New Zealand'. This is usually reserved for the young and active, but a women's only weekend, although it promised hard work, seemed like an opportunity not to be missed!
And you know what I'm like with opportunities!



We started off at the wharf, laden with sleeping bags, pillows and warm clothes.
The Spirit of New Zealand, is a 33m black three-masted barquentine, which I found out is a sailing vessel with three or more masts; a square rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main,and mizzen.
Climbing the rigging was on the list of 'must-dos' for the voyage!



Spirit of New Zealand has become one of the country's best-known cultural icons and is often also claimed as one of the world's busiest youth ships. so what was I doing on board!!


Happy Hour!

There were 40 of us, all told, and once allocated a bunk we were given the safety drills, taken on a tour of the ship and then set to work! Of course, on roll call the Captain couldn't say my name and it was all jolly from then on, really!


The Gang!

We heaved and hauled, spliced the main and hoisted the jib and yo hoed our way through the harbour and out to sea! by this time I was becoming somewhat of a star and was given the ship to sail for half an hour...what can a girl say!


The beach landing party - shipwreck hunting

We stopped off at an island and dinghyied to shore to explore a shipwreck.. these are 'The Beach Girls' and then we went swimming off shore, brrrr, with fish jumping out of the water all around us!


Sunset was stunning!

Hours later, we all collapsed on deck to watch the sunset and imbibe freely for 'Happy Hour' - which turned out to be several 'happy hours' and rounds of cards!



After staying up late - the stars were so clear and shootings stars everywhere ( or were they bits of space rubbish burning?) and getting some sleep in the bunks - it was an early start, a 7am swim and off to explore Kawau island and Mansion House, complete with peacocks, wallabies and a cafe with real coffee!! GASP!


Kawau island and Mansion House

We were so lucky with the weather, and the gardens reminded me of home, when we got back everyone was taking turns at jumping off the ship's swing and into the water..


Jumping off the ship, for fun!!


The harbour on Kawau Island


Mansion House

It was a beautiful ship, and all the other boats waved at us as they passed, especially the Russian sailors (they got quite excited!) it's quite a sight with its sails full out and women swarming up the rigging and swabbing the deck!


Our ship, anchored off Kawau Island

All in all, a fabulous weekend - made some new friends, including Mrs new Zealand - but that's another story!! It all goes to show, you should never pass up an opportunity!


Spot me climbing the rigging!