Southport to Middleton Reef, Elizabeth Reef, Norfolk Island and Auckland / 1,400nm / 18 Sep - 2 Oct 2022
15 days / Cat O expedition / SILVER FErn: CREW full waitlist only
The Category 0 ocean passage from Southport, Queensland, Australia to Middleton Reef, Elizabeth Reef, Norfolk Island, Opua and finally Auckland, New Zealand is a true adventurers expedition. We depart Southport and head 300nm east to the notorious Middleton Reef, one of the southernmost platform reefs in the world. This 6nm long reef rises up from the 3,000 metre deep Tasman Sea floor and is visible at low tide. It’s claimed more than 70 vessels in the past 100 years with some wrecks still visible.
Then we’ll sail 30nm south to Elizabeth Reef, where we will anchor and go ashore on Elizabeth Island, a sand island inside the platform reef thats covered at high tide. Imagine standing on a tiny island 300nm off the East Coast of Australia with nothing but the Tasman Sea in every direction!
Highlights from the 2019 passage to Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef
When we depart we’ll set a course for Norfolk Island 480nm to the ENE where (weather permitting), we will anchor and go ashore, clear Australian Customs and take a tour of the island and take in the rich history dating back to the early convict inhabitants.
The final 2 legs of our journey takes us 490nm SE to the Port of Opua in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, where we will clear customs before continuing onto the final port in Auckland. This expedition will have some unique sights including seeing ship wrecks visible on top of the Middleton Reef, turquoise blue lagoons, amazing sea life and the stunning South Pacific convict settlement of Norfolk Island.
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 twelve 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.
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
AUD$8,750
15 days
The 1,400nm route from Southport to Middleton & Elizabeth and Reefs, Norfolk Island and Auckland
Additional media
Check out photo gallery highlights from previous Middleton Reef, Elizabeth Reef and Norfolk Island expeditions.
Read the blog articles published by Lena Padukova after her 2019 Trans-Tasman on Ocean Gem.
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.
Highlights from the 2013 & 2019 passages to Norfolk Island
Itinery
You can fly directly into Southport on or before the 18th of September 2022. 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 19th onwards and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 20th of September, when we will clear Customs and then depart Southport and sail east towards Middleton Reef, then onto Elizabeth Reef for a brief stop to go ashore. When we depart we’ll sail 490nm onto Norfolk Island where we will stop for 2 nights (subject to weather ) and an island tour before continuing 390nm SE toward New Zealand, passing the northernmost tip; Cape Reinga before sailing into Opua to clear customs, before sailing the final 120nm to Auckland.
You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive in Southport, but if you plan to arrive prior to 18th of September, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore, but check with me first. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Auckland on the 2nd of October and depart out of Auckland airport on the 3rd of October.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Southport, Norfolk Island, Opua and in Auckland, 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 is 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 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.
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