Tasmania Circumnavigation / 700nm / 26 Jan - 8 Feb 2022
14 days / cat 1 expedition / silver fern: CREW FULL WAITLIST ONLY
The Tasmania Circumnavigation is a Cat 1 - 700nm circumnavigation of Australia’s southern island state of Tasmania and one of the most extreme challenges we undertake. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to undertake one of the world’s more adventurous and spectacular passage experiences. It is not for the fainthearted and there is no guarantee of completion of the full circumnavigation if we get adverse weather on the western or southern coast’s. It will depend on extensive preparation and considerable perseverance and the weather conditions we are dealt en-passage. The route and recommended anchorages are based on careful research, professional meteorological advice and leveraging detailed local sailing knowledge.
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
AUD$7,750
14 days
The 700nm anti-clockwise circumnavigation route around Tasmania, starting and finishing in the capital city of Hobart.
Itinery
You can fly directly into Hobart Airport on the 26th of January 2022 and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the 27th of January 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 return to Hobart by the 8th of February and you should aim to depart Hobart on or after the 9th of February.
The Tasmanian coastline includes some of the most extreme maritime scenery in Australia. The voyage starts with a visit to the nineteenth century convict settlement of Port Arthur and unforgettable views of the towering dolerite cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Tasman Island. Then it is north along the East coast to Maria Island, the stunning Schouten Passage and Wineglass Bay with bright white beaches and pink granite mountains rising steeply out of the sea. We then head through Banks Strait on the north-east corner of Tasmania with stop-over options such as the city of Devonport on the Mersey River, and the fishing village of Stanley nestling under The Nut.
As we sail around the north-west Tasmanian corner, we’ll aim to stop at Three Hummock Island or Hunter Island to await a suitable weather window for the passage south along the West Coast, through Hell’s Gates into Macquarie Harbour and we’ll explore the Gordon River, motoring 20nm up the river, that creates a feeling of wilderness isolation unlike anything else you may have experienced, with its extreme gorges and lush rainforest.
After a mandatory stop at the west coast village of Strahan, it is south to Port Davey, one of Australian great cruising destinations with its sparkling white quartzite mountains and tea- coloured water. The final stage of the trip will be along the South Coast to the sheltered anchorage of D’Entrecasteaux Channel and home for and end-of-adventure dinner at the Customs House in Hobart.
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.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Hobart and various stopover ports, 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.
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.
Review sailing calendar for all events