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SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRUST VOLUNTEERS ARE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE BY DEAN LAWRENCE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER O ver the years the Trust has been well supported by a large and loyal band of volunteers who work tirelessly to help deliver the Youth programs. These may be as volunteer crew, helping out on ship maintenance, especially during the annual refit, or working within the local communities to provide the logistical support when the ship moves around the country. Equally important is the fundraising these volunteers do within their local communities either to help young people with their voyage fees, or funding towards the ship's costs. While the Trust annually recognises outstanding service with its own awards, we were delighted in 2009 when long serving volunteer Shelia Bugden of Motueka received the Sail Training International Volunteer of the Year award. This was an outstanding achievement when measured against the other 28 countries worldwide. Winter fun on board VOLUNTEER CREW It is extremely beneficial to the youth programs we deliver, that our volunteers are spread around New Zealand coming from all walks of life. They bring to the ship an understanding and perspective of the many facets of New Zealand life that enhance the program delivery. We are often asked, what does it take to become volunteer crew and what are our expectations? This can best be summarised as follows. There are 40 young people on board the ship, and your role as volunteer crew is to be a friend, mentor, helper, co-ordinator, confidante and to lead by example. Most of all, a tolerant understanding of young people, patience, good humour, with a sense of adventure and broad shoulders, and yes, you are expected to join the trainees for the infamous 0630 swim each day. There is no pre-requisite to have a strong boating background, though it is useful, as you will receive full training and instruction on running the ship and what is required. Accommodation is twin share, with all cabins fitted with a sink and hot and cold water. There are separate ablutions for the crew and wet weather gear is provided. LEADING HANDS Volunteer crew are not limited to those over 20. For those who have sailed on a 10 day youth development voyage and are aged between 17 and 20, you can return as a leading hand with your knowledge of the 10 day voyage work as a vital link between the crew and trainees. They lead by example in the general day to day conduct on all activities and duties, assist in mustering the 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. September/October 2012 Professional Skipper 65 A view from the mast trainees for the daily events, are proactive, but understand that it is the trainees' voyage, and their experience not yours to be relived. If you are interested in either the role visit our web site, www.spiritofadventure.org.nz for the application paperwork. The Trust does arrange travel to and from the ship, depending on your location and the ship's location at the time. Most voyages are for 10 days though we do have the occasional day, three and five day sailings. SHORE BASED SUPPORT For those interested in assisting the Trust but not in a sailing capacity, we are currently putting together a small group of volunteers who can assist with the ongoing daily running and upkeep of the ship and attendant equipment. The duties will be coordinated by the ship's shore based manager and will range from the ship's turnaround when in port, to the upkeep of equipment and ship during maintenance periods, or standby equipment held in storage. If this sounds like you email info@spiritofadventure.org.nz with your interest and we will be in touch. GENERAL By the time this article goes to press the Trust will have held its Annual Supporters meeting and published its annual report. The report will be available on line by visiting our website and downloading. We continue to use our Spirit of New Zealand facebook page to keep everyone up to date with the activities of the Trust and the ship's movements around New Zealand. We appreciate that facebook may not be for all but it is an open view page so for those who do not want to join facebook you can still view our postings.