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Picton to opua, New Zealand / 570nm / 16 - 23 Apr 2024

8 days / cat 1 ocean passage / Event #2411 / salt lines: CREW full waitlist only

The Category 1 - 570nm passage from Picton to Opua, New Zealand takes in a wide variety of coastlines, seascapes and weather conditions. Starting at the largest port in the Marlborough Sounds, we’ll sail out into the infamous Cook Strait, before heading NNW to round Cape Taranaki, into the Tasman Sea before heading north to New Zealand’s three northernmost capes of Cape Maria van Diemen, Cape Reinga and North Cape. We’ll then sail the final 80nm down the East Coast to Opua in the Bay of Islands.

The weather on the North Island’s West Coast is changeable and we are set to experience a variety of conditions and sea states. There are limited safe ports and harbours on the passage, so our timetable includes waiting for a weather window if any adverse weather is forecast. This passage is a great opportunity to build sea miles, confidence and experience prior your first Category 1 offshore passage or an opportunity to sail a unique part of New Zealand’s coastline.

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

AUD$3,450

8 days

The 570nm route from Picton to Opua up the New Zealand North Island’s West Coast.

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Here’s what you will experience onboard

  • Sailing: 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).

  • Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: 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.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Passage planning: 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.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Blenheim (via Christchurch or Wellington) on or before the 16th of April 2024. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. We will aim to depart Picton (subject to weather) after midday on 17th April. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 16th of April, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.  Our plan is to sail into Opua by the 22nd of April and you can plan to depart out of Keri Keri Airport, 30 minutes by car from Opua on or after 23rd of April 2024.

Inclusions

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