“Our mission is to sail with everyday people to rare and remote places, to participate with passion in ocean races and adventures and undertake expeditions we’ll remember and treasure, for the rest of their lives.”

We do more than take people sailing—we create unforgettable memories across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. With over 80 cruises, expeditions, ocean passages, races, and regattas each year, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Our yachts

Join us onboard one of our fit-for-purpose yachts for your next cruise, race or adventure.

No experience? No problem. We welcome all ages and skill levels, providing full training on board. Whether you're up for a hands-on sailing experience or prefer to unwind in a deck chair, our 105-foot superyacht is your gateway to the adventure of a lifetime.

Silver Fern

*72 foot* *Birdsall/Bakewell-White Sloop*

Te KaihōparA

72 *foot Don Brooke Ketch*

Sea Breeze III

*105 foot Milkraft Superyacht*

full 2025 - 2027 sailing calendar

Top Sailing countries

Join us for ocean passages between countries or coastal passages, cruises, races or expeditions within them.

Top Sailing Destinations

Join us for ocean passages for coastal passages, cruises, races or expeditions. Click images for more details.

Latest event Releases

Check out the latest releases and take advantage of special rates for early-bird bookings. Click images for more details.

**Bay of Islands & Hauraki Gulf**

29 Dec 2025

New caledonia groupama race

12 Jun 2025

marlborough sounds / abel tasman

15 Feb 2026

sail port stephens regatta

22 April 2025

Top Sailing events

Our most popular sailing events offer spectacular experiences. Click images for more details.

watch the Latest webinars

Watch recorded webinars with in-depth details on destinations and unique event opportunities.

Top event Categories

More than 100 races, ocean passages, luxury cruises and expeditions to choose from. Click images for more details.

favourite event activities

The activities on all of our cruising and expedition sailing events are all included in the price. No surprises.

latest episodes

Listen to our latest podcast episodes online, or at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google.

Book a private charter

Book a private charter for your function or family cruise in New Zealand or Fiji.

Book
Sea Breeze III

Available from 2 hours to 2 weeks for 10 - 99 guests

Book
Te Kaihōpara

From 3 days to 3 weeks for up to 10 guests

Read our latest sailing blogs, track the yachts on the live tracker and follow us on social media.

2024 - Our year in pictures

A video with commentary of the challenges we faced in 2024

Testimonials

John Geange - Retired

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Silver Fern at Hamilton Island Race Week. I had an enjoyable time on the water, I learned by doing my job and observing everything that was happening around me. David is very thorough in his preparation & communication with all crew members. Read more

Heather McIntyre - Research Assistant

I have sailed with David Hows on two Ocean Sailing Expeditions and highly recommend him to anyone who loves a sailing adventure. David is an excellent skipper and his easy manner sets the tone for a great experience, while his sailing expertise cannot be matched. Read more

Phil Thompson - Director

I have had pleasure of sailing with David Hows and Silver Fern now on two occasions; New Zealand to Fiji and Fiji to Vanuatu and can honestly say that if this is something that you have thought about or is a bucket list idea you have, you want to go and experience this with these guys. Read more

Professionally managed and operated

Ocean Sailing Expeditions adheres to international maritime safety standards by operating our sailing vessels: Awen, Silver Fern and Te Kaihōpara are in “Unlimited Commercial or Cat 0 Survey” under Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) or the Maritime and Coastguard Association (MCA). Sea Breeze III is in survey with Maritime New Zealand. We also hold permits and obtain the required approvals to operate in the various marine parks, world heritage environments and protected fiords we visit. We aspire to make an impact every day by strengthening the communities, protecting nature and wildlife, and preserving the cultural riches of the areas we operate in. We are members of Sustainable Travel International and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. We report live weather at sea daily, to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s as members of the Volunteer Observing Ship (VOS) Fleet.