These past holidays, 38 students from all over the country (including myself) found ourselves in Auckland wharf aboard the Spirit of Adventure tall ship to participate on voyage #721.

Over the course of the trip we learnt the fundamentals of sailing, ranging from how to set the sails, pull the ropes and navigate. On our journey we first sailed to Waiheke Island, then through Whangaparoa Bay, Smokehouse Bay, Byrants Bay to our main destination: Great Barrier Island. Along our way we saw amazing scenery and wildlife, including spotting a pod of dolphins swimming past the ship!

Every morning we woke up at 6.30am and everyone, the crew included, took the plunge off the side of the ship into the freezing ocean waters. It was definitely a unique way to start the day, and one that was mentally challenging at first, although as the trip went on I gradually began to find myself looking forward more and more to waking up each morning. Each day was a new adventure, packed full of exciting activities, ranging from tramping through stunning scenery at Great Barrier Island, to paddling the rafts at night, sailing the luggers, a campfire on the beach one evening and climbing to the top of the mast!

We also took turns each day at being leaders within our different watch groups: Port A, Port B, Starboard A, and Starboard B; which gave us all an opportunity to develop our skills as leaders. The final full day of sailing was trainee day, which meant that the crew stepped back and we had to sail the ship unassisted back to Auckland harbour. We voted in different trainees as Captain, first mates, navigators, cooks and engineers. This was a unique leadership opportunity and gave us all a chance to take responsibility and work together.

Stepping onto the ship surrounded by a bunch of strangers I was way outside my comfort zone, but it was really amazing how quickly we all bonded and became friends! Words can’t even begin to capture how much I value all the life-long friends, unforgettable memories, and personal growth I made over the course of this trip. This is an opportunity that everyone who is able to should seize wholeheartedly, you will be surprised how much you learn about yourself. It was a truly incredible experience, one I will remember forever, and I thank everyone who helped make this trip so memorable.