Kia Ora

Wow, so today has felt manic in comparison to the past few days. I woke up excited because I was doing something other than lounging around (which has been needed).in fact I was booked to go on a sailing experience, sailing a previous  America’s Cup Yacht. This is something very exciting for me, as I am quite passionate about my sailing, and enjoy looking at stuff to do with the America’s Cup.

So we went out on the boat, about 25 of us and 4 official crew. The boats are designed to be sailed with 16 crew, so obviously some of us had to pull our weight. I was given to opportunity to be skipper for a bit, to be a grinder (hoisting the sails up and down) and also to be down in the sewer (right in the belly of the boat) hauling in the used sails so people don’t trip over them on deck. It was fun to be involved in sailing such a powerful boat, unfortunately we had no wind at all – spent more of the time cruising with the engines on that sailing. We did get to experience what it would be like to fully sail a yacht, and saw a few dolphins and penguins leaping about the boat. This was incredible and well worth the trip out into the harbour.

However, the lack of wind was a distinct problem and the main guy on board Ben phoned back to land and asked for us all to be given complimentary vouchers to be used again at any point so we could experience the boat properly. I have done enough sailing to know what sailing a fast boat is like, and it’s exhilarating, but I’d done what I wanted to do which was sail an America’s Cup Yacht. I therefore investigated if I could exchange my voucher for a trip up to Cape Reinga run by the same company.

Cape Reinga is a place which holds great spiritual significance for the Maori people. They believe that their spirits leave Aotearoa from this most northern point and the place is steeped in stories, histories, myths and legends. I managed to exchange my voucher so I have a 4WD trip leaving from Paihia up 90 mile beach to Cape Reinga where two oceans collide spectacularly. Also included in the trip is lunch, a sand boarding expedition and a chance to learn more about the Maori culture. I’m really looking forward to it – and I got it all for free (well included in the America’s Cup sailing experience).

After the sailing attempt I decided to have a look round the National Maritime Museum. This is really interesting, giving detailed information and accurate models of the boats the first Maori came to Aotearoa on, as well as how yachting became a favoured past-time of Aucklanders. It also gave details of the berths that migrants from Europe stayed in on their way over to New Zealand. It proved a very interesting couple of hours.

That’s been my day! On the cards for tomorrow is washing (fuuuunnn) and getting ready for my trip up to Bay of Islands on Monday. I’ll keep you updated on what happens up there!! And then, America bound. Definitely excited about America now – LA is meant to be warm when I’m there, definitely try to top up my tan J

That’s all for now.

Peace and love xx