I was lucky to be selected to go on The Spirit of Adventure with 9 other Year 10 students, Ms Laybourn and 3 other schools.

Voyage 843A departed Auckland on Thursday 19 May. We left Princes Wharf and over the course of the trip, we sailed around Waiheke Island. 

Our Mornings were early and very cold. We warmed up with some exercises on deck, followed by a quick swim in the ocean. Most mornings the dolphins would come say hello! 

During the day we learnt how to tighten the sails and climb the mast. We went rafting and went ashore to compete in challenges and earn our school points against the other schools. 

We took turns working in the galley, cleaning the cabins and scrubbing the decks. At night we would take turns going on night watch. That was when you had to fill out quiz papers in pairs to win your school more points. The captain would count up the scores the following morning and add them to the point board. 

Unfortunately, our trip was cut short [by a day] due to, well, Covid. We returned to shore on Monday 23 May.

I am so grateful for this opportunity, it was an adventure of a lifetime that I will treasure forever!