Cruising towards the Kermadecs

DAY TWO: August 9

Journey details taken by John Whitcombe at 1440
Latitude: 31 o 0.19 S
Longitude: 178 o 48 E
Wind Speed: 27 kts W, SW
Heading: 042 o
Sea State: 3
Cloud Cover: 2 octaves Cirrus

Barometer: 1010 Rising

We rose this morning to our first full day aboard HMNZS Canterbury cruising towards the Kermadec Islands.

Many of us had considerably smaller breakfasts than the previous morning, due to feeling slightly under the weather, down to the continuous roll of the ship.

The scheduled programme couldn't go as planned as so many of us felt sick but we still managed to listen to talks by Helen Bostock, a marine geologist who spoke about the geological activities of the Kermadec region and methods used to map the sea floor.

Clinton Duffy also gave an account of the marine life that we will encounter on the expedition.

Everyone was feeling drowsy after sitting and concentrating on the presentations but we were re-energised by the briefing we received on lifejackets by an enthusiastic team of sailors.

While everyone else was hanging over the sides bringing up breakfast, I ventured to the bridge - the control room of the ship.

I then visited the highest part of the ship, the deck on top of the bridge and captured some amazing photos of the vast ocean that we are in the middle of.

Docked in Auckland, the ship looked huge. But out here on the high seas it feels considerably smaller.

I have huge respect for the Naval personnel that live and operate in this environment for extended periods of time.

This afternoon, after our briefing on ration packs (which we’ll take on our island sojourn), I returned to the bridge.

It was a hive of activity, with pumice spotted floating on the water.

The captain had been instructed earlier in the day to alter course to investigate a large patch of ‘foam’ that had been spotted from the air.

The captain ordered the ship to slow and samples were taken. Just after this had been completed, a whale was spotted off the bow, although I failed to see it.

That’s enough from me now. I better hit the gym and attempt to work off some of the superb food we have been fed.

It’s estimated we will see land tomorrow morning so stay posted for more updates.

ABOUT JOHN WHITCOMBE

Year 13 student John Whitcombe is Head Boy at John Paul II High School in Greymouth.

He is a Sargeant in the local Air Training Corps Unit and was the captain of the West Coast Under-16 Rugby Team.

John has an interest in national and international environmental issues, is responsible for school rubbish clean-ups and has participated in the clearing of wilding pine trees.

John is also a keen tramper, swimmer and musician. Click here to find out more about the Sir Peter Blake Trust's expedition to the Kermadec Islands.