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The new heart Remodelled steering In addition: • engine services such as cooling water, air supply, fuel supply and wet exhaust were extensively modified • the seawater intake and plumbing arrangements were revised, built and fitted • new generators, electrical distribution and systems were fitted • the wheelhouse and aft "great" cabin were upgraded, and • a sewerage plant was fitted, and • normal refit maintenance was carried out The "to do" list also included installing an improved rudder, a bowthruster, the shaft assembly and the stern tube oil system. The work was done both alongside and with the ship hauled out. The Spirit of New Zealand appears very similar to when she was launched 25 years ago, but the hull has been waterblasted, sandblasted with wet sand and painted as part of her usual refit. A new type of antifouling anticipated to last for two years was also applied. The for'ard hatch surrounds have been rebuilt and her topsides sandblasted where required. The spar and rigging also received some close attention. Her wooden top masts and spars were removed, repaired and varnished, and most of the metal fittings repaired or replaced. Her elegant bowsprit was also repaired, varnished and reinstalled with all its rigging components. Below decks, the wheelhouse interior was adapted to accommodate the new engine instruments and the trainee's chart table altered to make it easier for them to use. The aft, or great cabin, was also upgraded. During her life the Spirit has not had an airconditioning system and a new Crusair effective Turbo airconditioning system was installed for the accommodation and saloon areas as part of the refit. She was back in the water for sea trials in the Whangarei River estuary and the open sea, before leaving on her first voyage after the refit, number 588, from Auckland on December 29, 2010. Part two of the life enhancement programme will take place in late 2012. This refit will again take about three months and will see the ship in the best possible condition for the next 25 years. While 2010 primarily focused on the new engine installation, 2012 will be more wide-ranging, covering almost every area of the ship. The refit has allowed the Spirit of New Zealand to return The Hundested propeller to visiting ports around New Zealand after four years of carrying out its youth development programme in the Hauraki Gulf. She was sailing around the North Island again in 2011, with 10-day voyages including calls into Napier, Wellington, across Cook Strait to Nelson and Picton, New Plymouth and the Bay of Islands. During the voyage the trainees hoist and set the large and heavy sails, climb the ratlines and perform other duties under the guidance of the captain and the permanent crew of 14. On the final day the trainees elect their own captain and crew, who are responsible for ensuring the ship reaches her final anchorage safely and on time. In between they learn to sail the luggers, step ashore for tramps and spend evenings in the great cabin enjoying public speaking, debates, movies and games. And of course there are the renowned dawn swims. Learning to sail the ship is a means to an end, not an end in itself, and the diverse challenges ensure the trainees return home having learnt a great deal about themselves, along with resilience, confidence and leadership skills. ■ NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012 77 Refurbished spars