Picton, New Zealand to Southport, Australia / 1,300nm / 8 - 19 Nov 2021
11 days / cat O ocean passage / silver fern: 1 CREW POSITION AVAILABLE
COVID Update: The border into QLD is open for quarantine free entry from November 1st, with no quarantine required for crew who have been vaccinated and have had a pre-departure negative test result as long as they have been in the South Island 14 days before departure.
Crossing the Tasman Sea is one of the most revered Category 0 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.
Night sailing on the Tasman Sea
Downwind sailing on Silver Fern
David Hows has sailed across the Tasman Sea as skipper ten 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.
Tasman Sea sailing on a warm summers day
Hoisting the Q Flag on Arrival
We'll depart Picton and spend the first 12-16 hours getting clear of the South Island Coast, before setting a NW course toward Southport on the Queensland Coast. 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.
The 1,250nm route from Picton to Southport, QLD across the infamous Tasman Sea.
AUD$4,750 (Normally $7,750)
11 days
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
Check out photo gallery highlights from previous Trans-Tasman passages.
Download the e-book version of: Sailing the Tasman Sea that I wrote in 2014.
Running downwind away from the 30 knot squall behind
Night sailing’s warmer with a pilot house
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.
Anchoring - one of many important tasks onboard
Getting the stay sail ready to hoist
Itinery
You can fly directly into Blenheim on or before the 8th of November 2021. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew dinner ashore. Our crew will officially assemble on the 8th onwards and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 10th of November 2021, when we will leave the Picton Marina, clear Customs and then depart for Australia. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Southport Harbour and can depart out of Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport’s from 19th November onwards. You must have been in the South Island at least 14 days prior to departure.
Arriving at a new port is always exciting
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Picton and Southport, 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.
Sun sets on another stunning day at sea
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 an online 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course prior.
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