On the very frosty morning of Monday 31 May, 12 Papamoa College and 12 Mount Maunganui College senior students departed Tauranga on a three-day sailing adventure on board the Lion New Zealand, a yacht built for Sir Peter Blake's fourth attempt at the Whitbread Round the World Race.

Here is an account of their journey:

On the first day, we sailed for eight hours straight from Tauranga to the Mercury Islands. It was hard going for us not-so-sea-savvy sailors. A few lunches were lost. But it was worth it for the view we woke up to the next morning. The yacht was moored in the most spectacular secluded bay and we swam lazy laps around it as the sun rose over the horizon, streaking the sky with pinks and golds.

After breakfast and chores, we headed to Great Mercury Island and swept the beach for litter. We were surprised at how much plastic had washed up on shore considering how protected and isolated the Island is. It was a clear reminder of the far-reaching impact we have on the environment.

The beach clean-up was followed by a walk up and over the headland, which provided stunning views of the yacht resting in the azure bay, then down to another beach where the students demonstrated their competitive sides in a team problem solving-challenge.

We then sailed for nearly six hours to our next destination, Kawau Island, where we moored in Mansion Bay for the night. En route, we had an exhilarating sailing experience, slicing through the sea at a 30-degree angle, clinging onto the side railing for dear life. The wind bit at our faces and we clustered closely together like limpets for warmth and safety. No complaints from the students though; now hardened sailers, they were loving every minute of it. We were even lucky enough to see dolphins.

The next morning was cold and gloomy and the prospect of a morning swim was far less appealing to the students. But it didn't phase our resident surf lifesaver, Abi, who set a winter record by swimming 20 laps around the yacht!

Later in the day, we visited Tiriti Mātangi Island, a wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand's native birds, where we got to stretch out the sea legs while being serenaded by birdsong. Highlights were seeing takahē roaming around casually, and also a kererū so huge that it was a miracle the branch it sat on didn't give way.

Over the three days on board, the crew got students involved in all aspects of operating the yacht, from raising the mainsheet, taking the helm, 'grinding' to move the boom and tying various knots. No one ever needed to be asked; the students were keen sardines alright!

The trip was topped off by a four-hour bus ride to return to Tauranga from Auckland. Fortunately, the students hadn't quite run out of energy yet and treated us all by singing the entire journey home. 

Here are a few quotes from students about their experience:

"It was the experience of a lifetime. I loved every second of it." ~Abi Troughton Y13

"My highlight was going for a swim in the morning. My lowlight was spilling my dinner before I could eat it." ~Saffron Hose Y13

"The vibes and the high sea were amazing." ~Eva Trlin Y13

"I was nervous before going, but it was a really cool opportunity and I'm looking forward to the next time I get to experience sailing. My highlight was coming into Auckland harbour with the music blasting, people singing, and everyone sitting along the high side of the boat looking at the view of Auckland city." ~Geordan Giblett Y13

"The trip made me want to be more adventurous. It was a lot of just getting to know each other, and we got close to people quickly just from having to hold onto each other all the time. The crew was really awesome and inclusive." ~Maddy Karauna Y13