Read about the hightlights from two students who have recently been on the Spirit of Adventure.I didn’t really know what to expect when I first stepped on the Spirit. I knew that there would be a lot of sailing and that was all that mattered for me at that point. But now that I am off the boat I can tell you that going on the Spirit is more than just sailing. It is a lifetime experience. On the trip I learned so much about myself, about leadership, about group work and of course also about sailing. I met some of the nicest people I have ever met and made friendships for life. If you get the chance to go on the Spirit of New Zealand I can just say take the chance it will change your life.” Selene Grube
“I went on board the Spirit of New Zealand on 28 June, on the 10-day Voyage, number 624. The ship departed from Auckland and sailed to many beautiful places like Coromandel Peninsula, Kawau Island and Great Barrier Island. That was my first sailing and I was really excited. The emphasis of the voyage is on the trainees, your character, how you relate and interact with others and how you cope in an unfamiliar marine environment. Our routine was to get up every morning at 6.30 am and go for a brisk morning swim. In the afternoons we usually did group activities, games, cleaned up the boat and learnt about sailing. We also helped out the environment with a beach cleanup, had a barbecue on the beach and went tramping. The Spirit of Adventure Trust is such an awesome experience. If you are between 15 and 18 years, have a look at the website, www.spiritofadventure.org.nz or at their Facebook page. I would like to thank the Nelson City Council for the financial assistance I received through the Youth Development Fund.” Lucas Mattos