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Hobart, Australia to OPUA to Auckland, New Zealand / 1,530nm / 19 Feb - 4 Mar 2023

13 days / cat O ocean passage /Silver Fern / CREW full waitlist only

Crossing the Tasman Sea is one of the most revered 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.

Our skippers have sailed across the Tasman Sea sixteen times (two solo), 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 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.

We'll depart Hobart and spend the first day of the passage clearing the coast of Tasmania, before setting a course for Cape Reinga across the Tasman Sea to Opua in the Bay of Islands, where we will clear customs before continuing the final 125nm south to Auckland. 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. 

AUD$7,750

13 days

The 1,530nm route from Hobart to Auckland across the infamous Tasman Sea.

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • 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 0 offshore passage.

  • 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.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Hobart on or before the 19th of February 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. Our crew will officially assemble on the 20th of February onwards and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 21st of February, when we will we will clear customs at Constitution Dock before sailing down the Derwent River, across Storm Bay, past Tasman Light before setting a NE course for Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island of New Zealand.

You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to 19th of February, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Auckland and should plan on departing out of Auckland Airport on the 4th of March 2023.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, meals in Hobart, Opua and Auckland, 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.

Review sailing calendar for all events