40 teenagers who have never met each other before put on a ship together for a 10-day voyage sounds like a reality TV show, but in truth, it is the unique experience of Spirit of Adventure!
On 16 March, I had the most amazing opportunity to go on the Spirit of Adventure. Getting on to the boat I was a mix of nerves and anticipation but I was also so excited for the journey ahead, as I knew it was going to be like nothing I had ever done before.
Every day of the voyage we would start our mornings by going for a 6:30am dip in the ocean off the side of the boat. It was an exhilarating way to begin the day, but it was great to get you awake for the busy day ahead. Throughout the day we would sail the boat from one spot to another.
We teenagers, or trainees as they called us, were the ones sailing the ship, so many of us had to learn very quickly how to put up each of the 14 sails, which ropes were which, and simply how to run a boat of this size. For me, as someone who has only a little bit of experience with sailing before, this was a learning journey, and it taught me a lot about myself as a person and a leader in the process.
Other than just sailing, we did other activities such as hikes through the bush on Great Barrier Island, snorkelling up at Poor Knights Marine Reserve, learning how to chart and navigate, spotted pods of dolphins, singing around a bonfire we created, and so many more awesome adventures.
A favourite memory for me on the Spirit was climbing up the rigging to the top of the royal sail, 30m above the deck of the ship. We were anchored at Poor Knights, so the views were just phenomenal, and the whole experience was surreal and exciting!
My time on the Spirit of Adventure was the best 10 days of my life! I had an experience where I learnt so much about myself in such a short space of time, saw the most amazing scenery/wildlife, and made lifelong friendships with the most lovely people. This was a true adventure that I will never forget.
Abby Plom – Year 12
