auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia / 1,330nm / 8 - 20 November 2022
12 days / cat O ocean passage / salt lines: LAST 2 CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Crossing the Tasman Sea is one of the most revered Category 0 ocean crossings on the planet. With nothing but open ocean from the bottom of Australia/New Zealand to Antartica; 1,000nm to the south, the ocean swell can build in height with no land to stop it for more than 2,500nm until it hits the shores of the Pacific Islands. There are many reasons why more people have climbed Mount Everest than have sailed across the Tasman Sea and the rapidly changing nature of the Tasman Sea's weather system is one of them.
Offshore sailing on Salt Lines
Salt Lines under full sail
The key to success when crossing the Tasman Sea is using the latest weather routing technology to plan a safe and comfortable passage, along with rolling 7-day forecasts downloaded via satellite daily once underway. If you combine this with a sailing vessel, thats purpose designed for all wind and swell conditions you have a recipe for success. Despite its reputation for extreme conditions, the Tasman Sea is easy to cross safely if you stay clear of the winter storm season (late May to early August) and wait for a safe weather window. It’s an absolute bucket-list voyage and a hugely satisfying personal achievement.
Tasman Sea sailing on a sunny day
Hoisting the Q Flag for Arrival
We'll depart Auckland and spend the first 24-36 hours getting clear of North Cape and Cape Reinga, before setting a westerly course toward Sydney on Australia’s East Coast. The sea life, milky way, phosphorescence and tranquility of crossing an ocean and seeing no other vessels for the bulk of the voyage, really make this a special sailing experience.
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
The 1,330nm route from Auckland to Sydney across the infamous Tasman Sea.
AUD$7,250
12 days
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
Check out photo gallery highlights from previous Trans-Tasman passages.
Download the e-book version of: Sailing the Tasman Sea that David wrote in 2014.
Read the blog articles published by Lena Padukova after her 2019 Trans-Tasman on previous yacht; Ocean Gem.
Running downwind away from the 30 knot squall behind us
Night sailing’s warmer with a pilot house
Heres 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.
Anchoring - one of many important tasks onboard
Getting the stay sail ready to hoist
Itinery
You can fly directly into Auckland on or before the 8th of November 2022. 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 officially assemble on the 9th of November onwards and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 10th of November 2022, when we will clear Customs, leave the Auckland Marina, and then depart for Sydney, Australia. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 8th of November, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Sydney on 20th of November and depart out of Sydney Airport on or after 21st November 2022.
Looking for land after crossing an ocean is always exciting
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Auckland and Sydney, 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 are also included along with suncream.
Sun sets on another stunning day at sea
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