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Hobart, Australia to Bluff, New Zealand Roaring 40’s Ocean race / 935nm / 22 jan - 2 Feb 2024

10 days / cat 0 ocean race / Event #2402 / silver fern & Salt Lines / CREW FULL WAITLIST ONLY

JANUARY 2024 PROMOTION - TAKE 50% OFF RETAIL PRICES DISPLAYED BELOW

Join the crew for a Roaring 40’s Ocean Race between Australia and New Zealand’s southernmost mainland ports. We’ll go head to head with two 70+ foot expedition yacht crews on Silver Fern and Salt Lines racing each other to claim the title of Roaring 40’s Ocean Race Winner in this inaugural yacht race.

Salt Lines competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Silver Fern competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

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) and 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 maintain a vigilant 7-day weather forecast watch.. It’s an absolute bucket-list voyage and a hugely satisfying personal achievement.

We'll depart Hobart and spend the first 7-8 hours getting clear of the Tasmanian Coast, before setting a course toward the bottom of New Zealand's South Island to the destination of Bluff located on the shores of the infamous Foveaux Strait. 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.

$7,750

10 days

The 935nm route from Hobart to Bluff across the infamous Tasman Sea.

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 and gennakers (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 Hobart on or before the 22nd of January 2024 and join us for a crew welcome dinner that evening. Our crew will officially assemble on the 23rd of January and we'll familiarise you with the yachts, systems and safety equipment. We will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 24th of January, when we will clear customs at Constitution dock and head for a race start abeam The Iron Pot at 1100 hours and set a course for Bluff, New Zealand. Depending on weather, the race should be 6-7 days with arrival into Bluff estimated for 31st January - 1st February, with a prize giving ceremony at the Bluff Yacht Club to follow. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 22nd of January, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore. You can depart out of Invercargill airport on or after the 3rd of February, a short drive from Bluff by car, which has connecting international flights out of Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Hobart and in Bluff, 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