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New Zealand’s SUB-ANTARCTIC Islands Expedition / 1,740nm / 13 feb - 6 Mar 2024

21 days / cat O ocean expedition / Event #2404 / SILVER FERN & Salt lines: CREW full waitlist only

The Southern Ocean and Tasman Sea are two of the most revered oceans on the planet. This unique Category 0 expedition will be dictated by weather, with the 2 yachts departing Bluff to sail south to the Snares Islands departing Bluff to sail south to the Snares Islands, Auckland Islands, then east to Campbell Island, the Antipodes Islands, Depot Island and the Chatham Islands, before sailing to our final destination in Picton, in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. For additional safety, this is a two-yacht expedition.

Our skippers have sailed across the Tasman Sea sixteen times (two solo) and circumnavigated Tasmania and New Zealand’s South Island (which take in the Southern Ocean) on multiple occaisions. The keys to success include waiting for the weather window, downloading live weather en-route and sailing a vessel thats easy to mode for all wind and swell conditions. Despite its reputation for extreme conditions, the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean are easy to navigate safely if you stay clear of the winter storm season (late May to August) and wait for a safe weather windows between legs. This is an absolute bucket-list expedition and a hugely satisfying personal achievement. The sea life, remote island wild 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.

AUD$12,500

21 days

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

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.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Invercargill on or before the 13th of February 2024 and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. Our crew will officially assemble on the 14th of February onwards and we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment. We we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 15th of February, when we will leave Bluff. From there our course south will be dictated by weather, with the goal of anchoring or sailing past the Snares Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, the Antipodes Islands, Depot Island and the Chatham Islands. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 13th of February, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Picton and depart out of the Picton Ferry Terminal or Blenheim airport to connecting flights from Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland airport's on or after the 7th of March 2024.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Bluff and Picton and any stopover ports, 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.

 

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.

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