2004 – SONZ Cadetship
In January 2004 I joined the Youth Development Sailing Ship Spirit of New Zealand in Wellington as a cadet for a 13 month cadetship living on board. Wow what a year ahead of me … Sailing around New Zealand for an entire year on a sailing ship, seeing some amazing sights, meeting 1000’s of youth from all over the world who came on board for a voyage, made some friends for life and realised that this was the start to a wonderful sea career to come. The very first write up on my blog page mentions a little about how it all started. http://captain-megs.blogspot.com/2007/06/it-all-started-on-spirit-of-new-zealand.html I spent my 18th birthday on the Spirit of New Zealand which was one to remember. I learnt everything there was to know about paint, rope work, wire splices, rust killers, treating and preparing wood surfaces for varnishing, how to make blocks and rope ladders and so much more about the wind and sailing. I even got taught a little engineering which was different.
That's right Women do go to sea, not just as stewards. There are a rising number of Women heading to sea now to become Chief Officers and Captains of Cruise Ships, RoRo and Container vessels, and Rail Ferries. That's my Dream, passion and goals summed up in these few sentences. To become a Captain and be the best that I can be while at the same time encouraging other young woman to take on the same challenges as I did. Think and dream big then step on board a ship and let your passion lead you.
2009 was the year to remember, 2010 is now the year to look forward to...
Quote of 2008: “Always look forward, don’t ever look back!”