In October 2019 I had the amazing opportunity to jump on the Spirit of NZ and sail from Tauranga to Gisborne for 5 days to cover the Tuia 250 flotilla.
First night out at sea we sail straight into a storm with waves violently rocking the boat side-to-side and up and down. Half the trainees were either vomiting in buckets by their hammocks or on the back of the deck tethered to a line (so as not to fall over board) vomiting on deck. In order to deal with that queasy feeling all I could think of was to rush to bed and force myself to sleep. With my sleeping quarters at the front of the boat I quickly darted (whilst being thrown side to side) through the girls sections trying to dodge their vomiting buckets just making it in time to my bunk to quickly lie down, squeeze my eyes shut and convince myself that this won’t last long.... and that I’m too competitive to be allowed to vomit so that wasn’t an option. Let’s just say I didn’t get much sleep the first night.
Along with the stormy skies the following morning had a grey feeling onboard - sickness lingered. But that didn’t stop the crew with their morning call “everyone up.. get in your togs and get above deck..!” There was a scramble below deck to get ready. Coming above deck in the freezing cold the crew got everyone to run circuits around deck to keep warm while waiting for the others to join. Once everyone was there they said “Alright... off you get, time for your morning swim!” And off they jumped. Apparently this was not only to wake them up but it was their scheduled shower for the day.
Coming into Gisborne at sunrise was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. I woke at 5am and made my way above deck to be greeted by the most awe inspiring collection of stars above my head. I tried to capture them but the slow rock of the boat was a complication for slow shutter speed. As the light started to hit the horizon you could slowly see the most elegant tall ships ahead - the Endeavour and the R Tucker Thompson. Then as we approached Poverty Bay in Gisborne we slowly saw three waka approaching from all sides - such a beautiful experience!
Photos: @ Copyright Stuff
