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Hobart, Australia to Picton, New Zealand / 1,270nm / 2 - 14 feb 2023

12 days / cat 1 ocean passage / salt lines: CREW positions available

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 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.

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

AUD$7,750

14 days

The 1,270nm route from Hobart to Picton across the infamous Tasman Sea.

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 Hobart on or before the 2nd 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 3rd of February and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 4th February 2023, when we will clear Customs, leave Constitution dock and then depart for New Zealand. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 2nd February, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore. You can depart out of Blenheim Airport on or after 14th February, 30 minutes by car from Picton which has connecting international flights out of Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland.

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Inclusions

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