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Southport to Lord Howe ISland, balls pyramid and pittwater / 810nm / 15 -25 May 2022

11 DAYS / cat 1 ocean PASSAGE / salt lines: CREW positions available

This offshore passage is a 810nm passage from Southport on sunny Queensland’s Gold Coast, to Lord Howe Island 360nm to the south east, 15nm to Balls Pyramid and 435nm to Pittwater, 15nm north of Sydney, Australia.

This is a unique opportunity to stop at Lord Howe Island for three days, meet the locals and take in some of the sights of life on an island less than 7nm in length. Lord Howe Island is surrounded by amazing sea life and steep Jurassic like cliff faces at the southern end. When we depart Lord Howe Island we'll head 15nm south east past Ball's Pyramid, a rock rising 551 metres out of the sea from the ocean floor, before we turn SW for the ocean passage for the magical harbour of Pittwater, New South Wales.

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

AUD$5,250

11 days

The 810nm passage from Southport to Lord Howe Island, Balls Pyramid and Pittwater.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Gold Coast or Brisbane airport’s on the 15th of May 2022 and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the 16th of May 2022 we'll meet for breakfast early, then we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and get you ready for departure including running through final checks and preparations and depart from the dock around midday. We will aim to arrive in Pittwater by the 25th of May, so you should aim to depart out of Sydney Airport on the 26th of May 2022.

Lord Howe Island, where we will tie up on a mooring in the lagoon on the western side

Balls Pyramid at sunset

Sunset from the Lord Howe Island Golf Club

Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid are unique. Rising up out of the Tasman Sea and dating back millions of years they possess incredible plant, sea and bird life. The ever changing weather displays these prehistoric landscapes in their best light. The crystal clear turquoise water of the lagoon at Lord Howe Island and deep azure blue of the ocean around Balls Pyramid, showcase Mother Nature at her finest.

Here’s what you will experience onboard

  • Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails 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.

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 a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month 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.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Southport, Lord Howe Island and Pittwater, accommodation onboard, your crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

 

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