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Auckland to Nelson, New Zealand / 550nm / 29 Mar - 3 Apr 2023

5 days / cat 1 ocean passage / the dove: last 2 CREW POSITIONs AVAILABLE / members only

The Category 1 - 550nm maiden delivery passage for The Dove from Auckland to Nelson, New Zealand takes in a wide variety of coastlines, seascapes and weather conditions. Starting from Auckland, we’ll sail north to North Cape, before turning west to pass Cape Reinga and Cape Maria van Diemen before heading down the west coast of the North Island, across the Cook Strait to Nelson Marina.

This is a delivery passage to relocate The Dove to Nelson to commence the electrical rewiring project that will take the next 3 months to complete. Additional upgrades will be undertaken as part of the survey preparation process.

The weather on the North Island’s West Coast is changeable and we are set to experience a variety of conditions and sea states. There are limited safe ports and harbours on the passage, so our timetable includes waiting for a weather window if any adverse weather is forecast. This passage is a great opportunity to build sea miles, confidence and experience prior your first Category 1 offshore passage or an opportunity to sail a unique part of New Zealand’s coastline.

Secure your place on the crew with full payment.

AUD$2,950

5 days

The 550nm route from Auckland to Nelson down the New Zealand North Island’s, West Coast.

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Here’s what you will experience onboard

  • 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).

  • Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Routine checks of bilges, engine, electrical systems, sails and hardware for preventative maintenance.

  • Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training in the 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.

  • Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • 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.

  • Multi-day, offshore passage making 24/7 on a significant Category 1 offshore passage.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Auckland on the 29th of March 2023. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. We we aim to depart (subject to weather) by midday on the 30th. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 29th of March, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.  Our plan is to sail into Nelson by the 3rd of April and you can plan to depart out of Nelson Airport, on or after the 4th of April 2023.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Auckland and Nelson, accommodation onboard, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

 

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 either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure.

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