Programs Blog

Author: Owen Newbigging, B watch, Queen’s University

Ship’s Log

November 21st, 2023
Current Position: Dockside in Auckland
Ship’s Heading and Speed: Not moving
Weather: Sunny skies and low 20s (C)

After a very delayed flight leaving Christchurch, we arrived in Auckland
yesterday tired, a bit stinky, and very excited to meet our new home. The
Seamans must’ve been a bit stinky too, because she needed to be hauled out
and washed early this morning. So, after meeting our watch groups, we went
to bed, needing to be up at 5am this morning to be off the ship in time for
haul out.

While the boat got cleaned, we made the most of the day by visiting the
Tiritiri Maitangi island reserve, the only scientific nature reserve in the
world open to the public. After scrubbing our shoes and hopping on a
beautiful ferry ride, we arrived at the reserve. There, we were greeted by
two sweet, and bird-crazy, volunteers for guided nature hikes. As we walked
through the forest, we saw and heard tons of native birds, many of whom hop
or scurry on the ground or among branches instead of flying. One even has
two throats and can make over 200 notes. A few people even saw a grasshopper
the size of a dinner plate! Other notable sightings were nesting penguins
and saddlebacks, both of which have come back strong after facing
extinction, thanks to the reserve’s efforts. After our guided walk, we went
for a dip in the ocean, and boated back to the mainland.

We had a few hours in Auckland before getting back on the Seamans, so we
split up and explored the city. Some of us walked over to the New Zealand
America’s Cup training center, and although we couldn’t go inside, the team
was super friendly. Back on the ship, we had pasta dinner and got introduced
to the galley. We’re winding down now, journaling topside, drawing birds,
and getting ready for a busy day tomorrow.

Stoked to go sailing,
Owen Newbigging, B watch, Queen’s University (the lonely Canadian)

https://sea.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/S312_21Nov2023_photo2_small.jpg