At 5am on Saturday the 25th of May 2024, ten of our year 10 students departed for a five-day voyage on The Spirit of New Zealand. These students were Caleb Anderson, Mihaka Broughton-Weggery, Tiwene Dysart, Georgie Hogan, Monty Knight, Mya McCutcheon, Leah Milham, Lauren Munro, Maia Petera and Brae Pinfold. We were driven to the Princes Wharf in Auckland by Mr James Kendrick where we boarded the ship with three other schools, Mackenzie College, New Plymouth Girls High and Sacred Heart Boys from Auckland.
The first night was spent just outside of the Auckland Harbour. Where we motored out and dropped anchor before having dinner and getting involved in some friendly competition. The first challenge involved building a tower out of newspaper to support an egg. Despite our tower not being particularly tall or strong, we somehow were the winning school in this challenge. We were sent to bed after this for some well needed rest, after a 17-hour day.
It seemed like we had just shut our eyes when the lights were turned at 6:30am and everyone was told to get into their togs. A wake-up swim in the sea. Nice. Once again Dannevirke High School stood up. Mihaka was the first person in the water and our school was the first full school to get in. It was cold and bitter, but it definitely woke us up. Ten minutes to get dressed and then we were in for breakfast. One thing that remained consistent throughout this trip was the beautiful food. Once everyone had eaten breakfast schools moved into their duties for the day. On day one we were on ‘specials.’ This involved doing the dishes after every meal for that day. After the breakfast dishes we were informed to get to sailing stations. For the day our school would control the Mizzen Sail. This is the sail at the back of the boat, which helps to keep the ship stable. This was the roughest day at sea as most people turned pale as we sailed for three hours. Passed Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island before anchoring just off the Mahurangi Peninsula to end an awesome day. Our students were again leading from the front as Georgie Hogan took control of the ship for most of the days sailing. Her new nickname, Captain Hogan was born.
Our second full day at sea started the same way. A brisk morning swim. Lauren Munro set the standards for the pack that day. With a backflip into the water. We sailed around to Omaha Bay for the night. This time we took control of the Main Sail. This is where the ship gets its power. It was a lot of work to set this sail. Plenty of ‘2-6 heaving’ going on. Maia and Tiwene earned there keep on this sailing voyage, with plenty of ‘housework’ between them. Once we had completed the sailing journey, we loaded into the life rafts and rowed ashore. Rowing did not come naturally to us as we spent more time spinning than going forwards. But, once on land it was plenty of fun to get stuck into some activities. MVP of the football match was most definitely Monty Knight as he embarrassed everyone brave enough to mark him. We went back to the boat for dinner and another evening’s activities. On this night we had a Pitch Perfect Rif Off. Another win for DHS and some discovered talents with Brae Pinfold and Caleb Anderson demonstrating plenty of enthusiasm. Maybe some singing lessons are needed though…
Day three at sea was the day of the Poonami. We didn’t sail on this day however we again rowed to shore. This time without the guidance of Mr Augustine. We were much better without him as we made it to shore five minutes quicker than the other schools. While on shore we completed a hike around Tāwharanui Regional Park, participated in a Sandcastle competition and played some more games. We were glad not to be on the boat during the day as the crew were dealt a stinky problem. While trying the empty the sewage tanks everything came up through the toilets and flooder the ship. We extended our stay on land a few hours as they dealt with that. The crew definitely earned their wages that day. We were guided back on board by two friendly seals.
Our final day we were able to pick up some speed. With 40knot winds (approximately 80kmph). Leah Milham took charge of the wheel and steered us home while the rest of use set the Foreword Sail. We arrived quickly back at the Auckland Harbour before we were able to climb the rigging. Climbing the rigging involved getting dressed into safety harness and climbing 12metres up the Mast. This got scary as the wind picked up. Students were given the choice if they wanted to do this. About 50% elected to have a go. Lauren Munro, Maia Petera and Caleb Anderson were able to get over before the wind got too stupid. But when Georgie Hogan was at the top and Mya McCuthcheon was halfway up, we got a gust of 53 knots (97kmph). Mya gave her best rendition of a human flag as she held on for dear life and the wind tried to steal her feet. We finished the day with a Yard Swing into the water. Lauren and Maia were the finalist for best belly flop as neither of them were very majestic in their dismounts.
The five days and five nights at sea were incredible. Our ten students were fantastic ambassadors for the school. We could not be prouder of them.
Thanks to Mr James Kendrick for making sure the group got to and from the boat safely. And a huge thank you to the Allison Family for giving our students such a wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity.
Logan Augustine
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