THS top Spirit of Adventure voyage

Thames High students proved they were one with the sea on a Spirit of Adventure voyage that saw them dolphin-watching and winning top points against three other schools.
The Spirit of Adventure Trust is an initiative that provides opportunities for youth development in New Zealand. It provides classmates with a taste of adventure, challenges, and a healthy dose of competition within the Hauraki Gulf.
It was established in 1972 and Thames High students have been involved intermittently over the years, teacher Miss Jasmine Yorke said.
“The five-day development voyage that we went on has four different school groups on board the ship. Each day they work together to complete a variety of challenges for points. The team with the most points on the fifth and final day wins the trophy,” she said.
The Spirit of Adventure’s development voyage runs over five nights on board its tall ship.
Activities in the programme include ship-handling, teamwork, problem-solving, debating, and water sports – in and on the water. Students also go ashore and complete tasks and participate in competitive games, including quizzes during night watch, raft racing, knot-tying, and raising sails.
“Myself and the students enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends from the other schools, being away from the city, and getting the chance to try new things and learn new skills,” Miss Yorke said. “[Highlights were] seeing dolphins as we sailed through the harbour, winning the challenges, and exploring Kawau Island.”
The school also took home the Spirit of Adventure’s Trophy Voyage Award.
To go on the voyage, secondary students must be aged between 14-16, and spaces for participants are managed via ballot.
“We will express our interest next year,” Miss Yorke said. “Because the voyages are so popular, there is a ballot and each school gets a chance at winning a spot.”