Ten lucky Year 10 students and their teacher stepped aboard the Spirit of New Zealand this month for a five-day adventure that included bagpipes, southerlies and memories for life. Year 10 Dean and Social Science Teacher Myles Reid recaps the trip…

Ahoy, there mateys. Ten Year 10's and one teacher stepped aboard the Spirit of New Zealand for a five-day adventure, joining MacKenzie College, Raglan Area School and Mount Maunganui College.

First Mate directed the programme, Second Mate navigated the ship and Third Mate was in charge of maintenance. Moving from the bow to the stern, portside to starboard side, jibing the main sail and sending the teacher out on the top boom to fold up the sail (crying for his mummy!)

Team challenges, raft races, tying bowlines, washing dishes all day and very quickly learning that Specials was not that special. Visiting the Salvation Army’s Rotoroa Island (out from the coast of Auckland) is a long way from Rotorua!

Lifelong friendships formed, being fed like we were living in the Sheraton, Nightwatch to make sure we don't drift too far off our anchor. Battling a southerly on deck followed by days of beautiful sunsets. Sleeping on bunks, singing, and being awoken at 6.30am by bagpipes for exercises and a brisk swim (after jumping off the deck!) This was voyage 848A. A lifetime memory that we will forever be grateful for.