Opua to the kermadec Islands to minerva Reefs to fiji / 1,400nm / 30 apr - 15 may 2025
16 days / Cat O sailing expedition / Event #2518 / Te kaihopara: CREW positions available
Overview
The Category 0 ocean expedition from Opua, New Zealand to Raoul Island in the Kermadec Island Group, and finally onto Fiji is a true adventurers expedition. We depart Opua in the Bay of Islands and head 540nm northeast to the Kermadec Islands. The islands are uninhabited and the northernmost outpost of New Zealand. They have been used as stopover points since as early as the 10th century.
We’ll anchor and go ashore to explore, Raoul Island (if DOC approval is granted)* before setting off on for the next stop 330nm further north to anchor for a stopover at the stunning Minerva Reefs.
These two submerged atolls have been the subject of many shipwrecks over the centuries with some still visible inside of the reefs. We’ll anchor inside the reefs and go on a night time hunt for fresh crayfish before continuing on the final 420nm leg to to the Vuda Marina, Fiji.
Passage Plan
Crew registration
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
FIRST MATES DEAL - BOOK NOW
SHARED CABIN $7,750 (PER BERTH)
PRIVATE CABIN: $20,925 (3 BERTHS)
16 DAYS
SEA MASTERS SAVER $8,750 - TO RELEASE
CAPTAINS CHOICE $9,750 - TO RELEASE
ADMIRALS ADVANTAGE $10,750 - TO RELEASE
Prices are in $AUD
Expedition Description
Opua
Opua, located in the heart of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, is a vibrant marina town and a gateway to one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. Known for its rich maritime history, Opua has been a key port of entry for sailors exploring the South Pacific. The town’s marina offers top-notch facilities and a warm Kiwi welcome, making it an ideal starting point for any sailing adventure. With easy access to the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands, Opua is perfect for exploring secluded anchorages, pristine beaches, and rich marine life. Whether you’re looking to dive into history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, Opua is a must-visit destination for sailors seeking adventure and tranquillity.
Kermadec Islands
The Kermadec Islands are a remote volcanic archipelago located between New Zealand and Tonga, offering a truly unique and untouched sailing experience. These islands are part of a marine reserve and are renowned for their rich biodiversity, both above and below the water. The Kermadecs are home to a variety of rare bird species, thriving marine life, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Pacific. The waters around the islands are ideal for diving and snorkelling, providing opportunities to encounter large pelagic species, such as sharks and manta rays. As a rarely visited destination, the Kermadec Islands offer an extraordinary opportunity for sailors to explore an environment that remains largely unchanged by human activity, making it a true gem for those seeking to connect with nature.
Minerva
Minerva Reefs, consisting of North and South Minerva, are two coral atolls located in the South Pacific Ocean, offering a unique and adventurous stopover for sailors. These remote reefs are known for their crystal-clear lagoons, abundant marine life, and stunning underwater scenery. As a secluded anchorage, Minerva provides a peaceful respite from long ocean passages, allowing sailors to enjoy snorkelling, fishing, and diving in an unspoiled marine paradise. The reefs are also a popular spot for cruising yachts on their way to and from New Zealand, offering a safe anchorage in the middle of the ocean. Minerva's isolation and natural beauty make it a captivating destination for those seeking solitude and a closer connection to the ocean.
Vuda Marina
Vuda Marina, situated on the western coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, is a bustling marina that serves as a gateway to the stunning islands of Fiji. With a rich history believed to be the landing site of the first Fijians over 3,000 years ago, Vuda Marina combines modern facilities with a sense of tradition and community. The marina’s idyllic setting, framed by coconut palms and turquoise waters, makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Fiji’s beautiful archipelagos. Vuda Marina offers a warm Fijian welcome and provides excellent facilities for sailors, including provisioning services, repair facilities, and a friendly yacht club. From here, sailors can easily access the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, renowned for their clear waters, coral reefs, and vibrant local culture, making Vuda Marina an essential stop on any Pacific sailing adventure.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.
Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Weather impact
With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.
Extra reading
itinerary
You can travel to Opua via Whangarei or Keri Keri Airports on or before the 30th of April 2025. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. Our crew will reassemble on the 1st of May and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) late on on the 1st or early on the 2nd of May 2025.
We will clear Customs and then depart Opua and sail northeast towards the southern end of The Kermadec’s for an overnight stop* to go ashore (if permitted by DOC). When we depart Raoul Island we’ll sail past the other islands in the group, before setting a northerly course for the Minerva Reefs. We’ll aim to visit North Minerva Reef, where we’ll anchor in the lagoon, explore the reef at low tide and relax. The final 420nm leg is to the Vuda Marina, in Vuda Point Fiji.
You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive in Opua, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 30th of April, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Fiji on the 14th of May and depart out of Nadi Airport on or after the 15th of May 2025.
Arrive at the vessel in Bay of Islands Marina by 4pm on 30/4/25
Crew training and safety familiarisation 1/5/25
Depart Opua Marina by 12pm on 2/5/25
Arrive in Vuda Marina, Fiji on 14/5/25
Depart Nadi International Airport on 15/5/25
Getting to and from there
Arrival Airport: Keri Keri Airport
Departure Airport: Nadi International Airport
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Opua and in Fiji, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included along with suncream.
*The stopover and shore visit at Raoul Island is subject to Department of Conservation approval based on the volcanic risk rating at the time. Safety is always the first priority when assessing risk to the crew and vessel.
PRIVATE CABINS
There are only two private cabins available onboard and they include a double and single berth in each.
If you book a private cabin, you can have 1 , 2 or 3 occupants.
The price for a private cabin is the combined price of 3 berths, less 10%.
If the single berth rate is already discounted, there is no further discount for a private cabin.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Review sailing calendar for all events