Leaving a legacy...
Forty one years ago today (2nd March 1976) Spirit of Adventure departed Marsden Wharf on her first trip to Whangarei, her new Certificate of Survey now allowing Restricted Home Trade Limits - North Cape to East Cape. I'd arrived at 6am as ring-in cook, to be met by a trainee in the passageway by the galley. 'Are you the cook? ' she asks. 'Yes, ' I gulp, 'I guess I am.' "What are we having for breakfast then?" she asks. I had no idea what food was even on the ship let alone what we were going to eat and when. We muddled through, sailing to Great Barrier that morning. My first tall ship voyage I must confess - I was seasick. When someone suggested mince for dinner I nearly threw up on the deck. However I was soon infected with the spirit of adventure and served as cook for many more trips. Voyage 54 was also all girls - their theme song (sung to the Wombles tune) says it all: Mr Lou Fisher donated this boat ...