SPI R I T OF ADVENTUR E T RU S T
REFIT SHAPES SAILING FUTURE
BY DEAN LAWRENCE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
New genset
Aft sky light
New navigation station
Switch board
A
slight pause to the start of the year, but we are fully into
it now. It was with a huge sigh of relief by all involved
that Spirit finally slipped her mooring lines on the
January 12 at Whangarei and headed for Napier to pick up her
sailing schedule. The completion of Refit 2012, which was major
undertaking and covered so many aspects of the ship, provided
its challenges. Regretfully it did take a little longer than expected
or planned, despite the massive effort of all involved.
With a clean hull and fresh anti foul, Spirit made good speed
across the Bay of Plenty and around East Cape, averaging
around 11 knots before having to reduce speed down the coast
to Napier. After arriving a day early because of the good run,
the crew had a little time to complete the tidy up in time for our
first guests on January 16. An Adult Coastal delivery voyage
down to Wellington departed on the morning of January 16, and
with a good 24 hour run, saw her anchoring in Port Underwood
the following morning. After spending time in the Sounds, she
docked in Wellington on January 18.
Spirit is now into her 2013 sailing program which sees her
circumnavigating New Zealand as part of the 40th Anniversary
tour, visiting as many ports as possible and opening up the ship
to local communities. Most of the voyages around the coast
will be the 10-day Youth Development program, and are a great
opportunity for the trainees to see places like Stewart island
and the Fiordland Sounds. The trip up the West Coast to New
Plymouth and then around the top to the Bay will be interesting.
This is the first time in eight years we have been in the Deep
South and we are looking forward to coming back to the ports.
So just what did Refit 2012 achieve? Regretfully space does
not allow an itemised, detailed list but the highlights are as
follows:
��� New main and mizzen masts, with the foremast being
refurbished
��� We completely gutted and rebuilt the engine room and she
received three new generators, new hydraulics, new hot water
system and a myriad of pumps, pipes, and valves which only
engineers understand
��� New switchboard and rewire of the ship
Spirit of New Zealand as new as ever
��� Refurbishment of the aft, or great cabin
��� Refurbishment of the wheelhouse
��� New refrigeration (yes, we can now carry fresh milk!) and
completing the galley refurbishment that started in 2011.
��� New self-stowing anchor chain locker and refurbishment of
the forepeak
��� Conversion of two storage areas into two new cabins for
leading hands and cadets
��� Antifoul and a fresh coat of black paint
��� Two new ship���s tenders
We are of course indebted to the many funders for their support
and a special mention to the large volunteer work force who
assisted during the three months.
SKIPPER SCHOLARSHIP
In association with the Spirit of Adventure Trust, Professional Skipper magazine offers readers the
opportunity to nominate young men and women for two introductory ten-day youth development
voyage, that may lead to a Spirit cadetship for inshore masters qualifications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT KEITH.
Email: keith@skipper.co.nz Phone 09 5334336 or write to the editor c/- of this magazine.
March/April 2013 Professional Skipper 57
