Capt Jim Taking Compass Swing Bearings As The Crew Watches And Learns

"It's SO good to finally be away from the dock. The crew are getting into the routine of watches and our voyage crew, Mike and Pete, are learning the ropes.... litterally. This morning we woke up to thick fog at our cozy anchorage and quickly got underway. Jim tried to sing a shanty as we raised the Mainsail but gave up after our hauling was halted a few too many times. We'll make sure Jim gets through the song one of these days.

As we motored away (looking for some wind) our lookouts spotted a fender looking quite lost ... so we rescued it and gave it a comfy home on our deckhouse roof.

By mid morning we strapped on our harnesses and went 'up and over' the rig; with experienced crew teaching the newer faces where to place feet and hands and where to clip in. Pete was smiling ear to ear when he landed back on deck.

Later he lent a hand aloft on the course yard as we set sail! Mike enjoyed aiding Capt Jim as he showed us all how a compass swing works. This is to find out if your compass needs adjusting.

With Maisie and Marcus taking turns on helm and Geoff ready on the engine controls Jim picked two spots of land in the distance.With some twine, a good eye and the compass he rattled off berrings to Mike as the rest of the crew looked on and listened intently.

In the afternoon sun the sails seemed to give a relaxed sigh after being stowed away during refit for so long. Sweaters and shoes came off and sunscreen was put on as the crew enjoyed the warm rays after the past week of not so awesome weather.

Fishing lines were out but came up empty. I'm going to blame the little penguins and dolphins that visited us throughout the day.

Friday will see us pull back into Princes Wharf in Auckland, after anchoring tonight, with just enough time to get a bit of last minute things and then its time to clear New Zealand Customs and head out to sea in search of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

We're all really looking forward to this ocean passage. Especially the ship.

She wants to stretch.

I can feel it.

Marsha, Purser.

P.S.
Happy Mothers Day in advance from all the crew to their moms. (I know some countries celebrate it earlier in the year but Happy Mothers Day again!!)

Crew Enjoying The Sun

Chris Jo Peter Using The Force To Get Things Done

Marcus The Ridiculous Look Out

Marsha's happy.

Engineer Geoff In His Shiny New Crew Shirt

Mike Climbing The Rig

Mike on the helm.

Pete Is All Smiles Climbing The Rig

Pete Aloft Helping Set Sail

Pete On Helm As Mike Tends Fishing Line

Mike says That Way!