The Spirit of New Zealand sails into Kawau Bay

Just watched this magnificent ship sail into the bay from the front deck. It is a fairly regular visitor but rarely is under 'full sail' as it was this afternoon.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust was set up in 1972 to provide young New Zealander's with access to a character development programme conducted in a maritime environment.

The 1960s saw a revival of interest in square riggers but not in their traditional role as cargo ships, or professional maritime training. They were seen as a unique environment for youth development, where the focus of learning is on team-work, developing skills of communication, self-reliance, self-discipline, self-esteem, resilience, confidence and leadership

Spirit of Adventure 1973-1997
The topsail schooner Spirit of Adventure, gifted to the nation by Lou Fisher, was commissioned in 1973. She sailed a heavy schedule around the New Zealand coast until 1997, when she was sold for tourism work in Fiji.

Spirit of New Zealand 1986 - current

The Trust's existing ship, the three-masted barquentine Spirit of New Zealand, was commissioned in 1986. Since the retirement of the Adventure in 1997 she has undertaken an annual programme of around 340 days at sea.