From the stern, Auckland receded into the distance. The crew were milling around, storing away the mooring lines, taking photographs - or in the case of Naomi, our 2nd Mate, waving to all the crews of the ferries (she seems to know them all!). The scent of lunch wafted up on deck, luring us down to where Emilse and Kate had prepared loads of spaghetti.

After lunch, we got down to business - training. The deckcrew practiced their fire drills, while newbies and campaigner got to try on the weird and wonderful survival suits. Bright red, with lobster-claw hands these suits are designed to keep the wearer alive in cold water. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Still, we had fun, fighting our way in and out of the suits.

Later in the afternoon, the giggling died down a bit, as we left the shelter of the coast and hit the heavy swells. After a couple of hours at sea, none of us newcomers had our sealegs - so lunches were encountered for a second time, and some people (myself included) ended up trembling in our bunks. In fact, this correspondent will admit that yesterday was, his worst seasickness experience ever. Just lovely.

Groggy or not, I managed to drag myself to the bridge last night, to where Oscar (Chief Mate) and Abri were on watch. I stepped outside to feel the wind in my face, and watch the moonlight dancing on the waves. It's good to be back on board on the Rainbow Warrior.

- Dave