Captain Terry of the R.Tucker Thompson Tall Ship

On the North Island of New Zealand and heading towards the Bay of Islands 

As i was walking around in Opua (located in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand)  i encountered an opportunity that even i couldn't of dreamed about.

At the wheel and in control.......i think hahahaha

 I was asked if i wanted to go for a sail on this schooner tall ship, as they where raising funds to take her to Vancouver...why not i said. So the Captain explained to me that the R. Tucker Thompson is

operated as a non-profit trust that does tourist runs (Oct-Apr) to fund its mission, and i quote "Learning for life

through the Sea" to take local kids out for these journeys that would shape their lives. Well as we make are way out of port into the Pacific Ocean, the Captain yelled at me to grab the wheel for a few minutes as some of the students were having problems with the rigging and sails. Next thing i know its 30mins and I'm hollering at the Captain (who is still near the crows-nest) what do you want me to do????...he yells back, look for something on shore and aim towards it. Captain Terry kept her upright lol as i turned the creaky wheel and steered the old gal and kept it on course, that's when i learned some life lessons myself......respect the sea, it is vast and unforgiving if you don't give it just due!!

Getting ready to shove off