John Geange - Retired

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Silver Fern at Hamilton Island Race Week. I had an enjoyable time on the water, I learned by doing my job and observing everything that is happening around you. I believe all the crew members got on very well on and off the water, this includes the partners that some of the crew members had with them. Silver Fern has a full time Chief Mate as well. His name is Taku, he was very helpful, if you were unsure of anything you just asked Taku he was always very helpful.

David is very thorough in his preparation & communication with all crew members. There was a morning brief every day before the race. Steve the tactician would explain the complete course to us before leaving the marina. Pre-race, and during the race we were given plenty of notice of when we would be tacking and doing any manoeuvres. After the race there was another meeting held to discuss how we went and if there were areas we could improve on, everyone was asked to speak in these meetings, and they were very helpful.

This is the second time I have sailed with David and also several of the other crew members, I can’t speak highly enough of them. I look forward to my next trip, I know some of the crew will be on that as well.

Natasha Edwards - Artistic Director

There is something compelling about the ocean and like all sailors, I am drawn to it. Sailing on Ocean Gem across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand was an experience of epic proportions. The encouragement and support by skipper David Hows was brilliant.

Ocean Gem was primed, well equipped and wonderfully catered for, with safety first and prime focus on learning and fun. There was always great energy and comradeship throughout the passage amongst the crew. I put my hand up for everything and loved every minute.

The majority of my sailing experience has been racing so the Trans-Tasman passage gave me time to dial in and focus on my proficiencies, more time helming, trimming, learning advanced navigation systems, along with sharing knowledge, stories and jobs with the crew.

When the sea decided to spice things up and things got hectic and challenging, there was a calm quality about Dave as he organised the crew, our response and quick recoveries got us back on course and managing any repairs that needed attention. When I required emergency medical help, Dave took care and my safety was paramount, enabling me to enjoy the last leg of the journey.

I personally loved the solo sailing at night, nerves aside and trusting in all my abilities, star navigation combined with hi-tech equipment for optimum performance. Hearing the hum of Ocean Gem was superb.

Mike Stone - Business Owner

If you have ever had a passing thought that maybe you could try ocean sailing but let the thought pass thinking "I can’t do that" then bury that thought and book a berth on Ocean Gem. That’s the way I was thinking prior to Christmas 2018, but fortunately I listened to David Hows who kept me enthusiastically committed once I said yes! I sailed the "Pittwater to Southport" race starting 2nd January 2019 and had the time of my life. I had committed to this race with very little yachting experience, but bundles of enthusiasm.

I met my 7 team mates in Sydney on New Years Day; all strangers to me on Day One, but feeling that I had made good friends, when we left the boat 5 days later. A word to the wise - take the "Phenergan" (brilliant sea sickness pills), when they are offered on day one, leaving the dock when all is calm. I thought I’d tough it out, pretending to be seasoned and paid the price of losing my dinner on night one, 5 minutes after eating. Once I took the pills on lumpy days, I was fine for the remainder of the race. 

Being a novice I was grateful for the thoughtfulness of skipper Dave and some of the more experienced crew. Throughout the trip I was encouraged to get involved in many aspects of sailing the boat, to whatever degree I felt comfortable. We had a range of seascapes from 3 metre swells with waves breaking over the bow, to flat and glassy with no wind one morning; covering just 1 mile in 3-4 hours. I loved that someone made lunch every day, leaving me to languish on the rail, but I would loved to have had a soft cushion for my numb bum. Sleeping was an experience with 3-hour shifts each night. I loved the night chats, the tacks and loved that bunk for 3 hours even more.

We were well fed, well looked after and entertained with natures beauty for 5 days. Highlights for me were the great company, all the sailing experiences I could handle, the company of dolphins every day and the achievement of an adventure and ocean race, I have dreamed of often over the years and now realised. Thanks Dave for a fantastic introduction to ocean sailing, and a brilliant way to begin 2019. Time to look at booking another:)

Peter Chapman - Retired

Having done a little sailing many years ago, I jumped at the chance to crew on David Hows’ Ocean Gem in ‘Twilight’ and offshore races out of Southport Yacht Club. For three years now I have enjoyed sailing with David and other crew, many of whom have become firm friends. David is an easy-going, generous fellow whose outer friendliness somewhat masks his competitive spirit when racing.

The atmosphere on board is always positive, newcomers with limited experience are welcomed and there’s a constant emphasis on safety, while skills and teamwork are developed. David leads by example and from every race we take new lessons about sailing and racing, about the boat and about ourselves. The experience has been invaluable to me in my retirement, and I unreservedly recommend it to others.

Trish Greer - Flight Attendant

A trip out on Ocean Gem brings joyfull fun, exhilarating moments, breathtaking scenery, genuine great team company and much learning. This is no ordinary boat! Besides the obvious sailing machine it is,  David the makes the experience worth having. David is a very experienced knowledgeable sailor who is a practical generous teacher, level headed, effective communicator and keen to share his knowledge.

Keeping his crew and boat safe is paramount for him. And somehow he effortlessly forms a relaxed team around him. (Even in those unexpected close moments that come with racing!) A memorable moment for me being a friendly interaction with a whale moving the racing buoy during a race off the seaway! If you want to put a smile on your face, drop the tension in your shoulders and improve your health go for a sail with David on Ocean Gem!

Jeff Lavery - Full time Dad

For many years it has been a dream of mine to learn how to sail. Upon moving to the Gold Coast, I made it a priority to make it happen. A friend suggested that I try twilight racing on Thursday at the Southport Yacht Club. Thankfully I met David who invited me to join his crew even though I had no sailing experience whatsoever.

From the start he was extremely welcoming and encouraged me to learn as much as possible. The crew on the boat are equally as friendly as David and freely give advice on learning how to sail. I can truly say that sailing with David has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. He is extremely capable as a sailor but also fosters a very positive environment for people like me who want to experience sailing. If you have ever considered trying sailing, I highly recommend contacting David. He has certainly fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine and I am sure that he can do the same for you.

Samson Sommerville - Adventurer

It’s a rarity to find an experienced captain with a good ship who isn’t bundled with an unpleasant prickly demeanour. David is one such rarity. Even in rough seas and short on sleep, his stoic nature never fades— David is always calm and focussed. I hesitate at the thought of sailing on any other vessel because David has set my bar of expectations so high.

Learning to sail from zero is challenging enough without a short-tempered captain. I learnt everything I know about sailing on the Ocean Gem. Since joining the team in 2016, I’ve crewed for long deliveries, and countless inshore and offshore races on the Gold Coast and around Queensland. The whole experience of learning to sail has been a very fluid motion. I am very grateful for sailors like David Hows — he succeeds in bringing an uncommon professionalism into the sailing culture.

Tim Wolff - Real Estate Agent

Sailing on Ocean Gem is the highlight of my week. As a young boy I used to sail dingy’s in Auckland and had to give it up as the family moved to the South Island of New Zealand. I was given an opportunity to sail on Ocean Gem in a charity regatta in 2016 and was bitten by the sailing bug again. Since then I sail every Thursday in the twilight series and the occasional offshore event when work allows on the weekend.

With my very limited sailing experience, Dave and the crew have taught and mentored me over the past 2 years. We are competitive, but fun and safety always comes first. So from as  a complete novice I have raced on the good ship Ocean Gem at Hamilton Race Week, in the Sail Paradise Regatta, the Queensland Beneteau Cup and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. I thank Dave and his family for these opportunities and they have always made me feel welcome and have supported and have taught me so much. I look forward to learning more and the fun times ahead. David’s passion and enthusiasm for sailing Ocean Gem is contagious and has had a positive impact on my life. Thanks Dave, ever thankful Tim Wolff.

Phil Thompson - Director

I have had pleasure of sailing with David Hows and Silver Fern now on two occasions; New Zealand to Fiji and Fiji to Vanuatu and can honestly say that if this is something that you have thought about or is a bucket list idea you have, you want to go and experience this with these guys.

Silver Fern is a magnificent sailing vessel that has been set up with your safety in mind and David is very particular about this, I never once saw an issue that caused a concern on both trips, he clearly is a very experienced sailor/skipper.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on board with a bunch of people I had never met, but became quite tight with in a very short space of time,  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting engineers, nurses, photographers, an ex:Aussie surfer who loved Jimmy Buffet music and a digger driver that had never sailed before - all of who had a story to tell, from overcoming serious illness to running big companies. I have laughed a lot, caught tuna and learnt more about sailing in the short amount time than I could have ever imagined

I did the trip to see if I could handle being on the ocean and being along way offshore and I loved every minute of it, I have now put an offer on my own yacht and I owe David for giving me the where with all to make this happen.

I recommend this operation highly to anyone looking for an adventure.

Rob Holdsworth – Director

I’ve been fortunate to have sailed with David on two occasions now; in the 2019 Brisbane to Hamilton Yacht Race & more recently in 2022 Hamilton Island Race Week. I quickly realised there is something exhilarating about racing compared to cruising. Perhaps it’s the adrenaline from being in the close proximity of other yachts, just metres from the start line, or the challenges of managing sail plans as conditions change unexpectedly.

It sure can take you out of your comfort zone, however the support and coaching David and the crew provides, makes for an environment where a group of who have mostly not sailed together before, become a very cohesive team in a remarkably short period of time. The support and comradery naturally bring out the best in the team and the yacht itself. As testimony, in 2019, Ocean Gem took out first place in both the PHS and IRC handicap divisions in the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race and in 2022, Silver fern was placed 1st on handicap, twice at Hamilton Island Race Week. That’s not bad, when you consider more than half the crew had not sailed together before.

Although there is a strong, but healthy level of competitiveness, David’s professional approach to safety and planning are never compromised. This gives the crew confidence they are in good hands at all times and can focus on achieving their own full potential.

I have no hesitation recommending sailing with the Ocean Sailing Expeditions team, particularly if you are looking for adventure sailing or just enhancing your sailing skills. I’m now counting down for my next race – the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart. I can’t wait!

Ash Karkhanis - Oil Tanker Captain

The Trans-Tasman sailing voyage with David Hows was a life changing experience. I have been at sea for over 25 years and yet this ocean sailing brought a positive and profound change in me. David is an ace sailor with solid expertise and experience.

He overcame extreme challenges and demonstrated amazing leadership and managerial skills under the most unfavourable set of circumstances. He kept all stakeholders adequately & timely advised and found innovative solutions to every challenge. I would strongly recommend all friends to experience ocean sailing with David.

Also, I would recommend managers and aspiring managers to witness David's managerial skills and inculcate them in their personal and professional value based learning.

April Seymour - Retired

As a recreational sailor and an inshore skipper, I have always wanted to do a 'real' off shore sail. To take myself out of my comfort zone and perform in any conditions the wind and the sea would throw at me.

I saw David Hows offering me this adventure on Ocean Gem. I picked Southport to Lord Howe Island, honestly thinking if it was really 4 days of hell  I could get off and fly home. However the wind and weather was brilliant 15 - 17kts, seas up to 2m so we got along nicely.

It was such a great learning curve, sailing at night, safety gear and participation in night watches and not sleeping well. I'd sailed at night before but with a moon, so as the moon was late rising, we just sailed headfirst into the pitch black. This changes your sailing. The concentration is intense at 3am when you’re tired and trying to keep the boat on an even keel watching the compass or the stars. 

Concerns of safety are well and truly covered with David. He takes this very seriously. He always has a plan B. His quiet confidence in his safety procedures made for an enjoyable trip.  David stays calm and totally patient with us taking time to get the job done without adding any extra pressure or stress. I definitely learned a lot and the experience will make me a better skipper. I also appreciated, that David screens the people that come on board to ensure an enjoyable experience can be had by all. It's a team effort and trust in each other is an important part of the trip. The food was great too and designed to be easy to prepare at sea. 

The highlight, was being able to stop for the night at Middleton reef, relax and enjoy such an incredible location 500km off shore in the middle of the Tasman sea.  David, thanks for the adventure.

Lena Padukova - Professional Adventurer

As a professional adventurer, I value unique experiences, challenging routes, exotic, remote or extreme places and environments - while proper planning, effective execution and meticulous risk management all have to work together for a successful outcome. Sailing with David Hows on Ocean Gem has provided all of it, plus excellent possibilities to learn - and a great fun factor!

On our recent Trans-Tasman passage from Auckland to Southport, David again proved he is a great skipper, very competent, skilful and high-performing, but also respectful and patient. His organisational skills are exemplary; nothing is left to chance. He's a competent leader and a great guy. 

I highly recommend sailing with him to anyone, and especially those who are looking for true adventure sailing on a very well-equipped boat, with possibilities to learn from a pro. Lena Padukova, professional adventurer, Sweden. www.adrenalena.se

Joanne Harpur - business woman

I recently completed the Southport, Queensland to Auckland, New Zealand voyage on Ocean Gem with David Hows. The boat was very well prepared with systems thought out and functional. The food was a highlight and very practical and nutritious. David led an adventure with good humour and patience throughout the trip.

I met three other new crew members and we five aboard combined well. The trip included the unpredictable; some nautical, some not. We had very benign weather for the entire crossing with 7 days to Opua, New Zealand, then a delightful 17 hour cruise down the coast to Auckland, followed by a post-cruise dinner on Waiheke Island. Offshore sailing is not always fun, it can be cold, tiring, and unforgiving. Would I sail with David Hows on Ocean Gem again? Absolutely. The Brisbane to Hamilton Island race is looking good...

Guy Reeve - Technology Executive

Sailing 800nm with David Hows on Ocean Gem from Southport to Lord Howe Island and Pittwater via Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs was an absolute blast and one of my all time top trips, with conditions ranging from challenging to cruisy.  I can't speak highly enough of David's relaxed, humorous but exemplary leadership and teaching style.

There's no doubt that safety and crew wellbeing are uppermost in his mind, but he has a particular talent for creating a most enjoyable and positive learning environment and running a safe ship in a calm, low key yet very effective way, even when the wind and seas pick up. His competence and depth of knowledge is remarkable and inspires confidence, as does his ability to communicate some of the subtleties of sailing to others.  I have no hesitation in recommending a passage with David on Ocean Gem to anyone

Madison Hows - Student

I have had the privilege of sailing for the past 7 years on Ocean Gem and have gained many great memories. I have enjoyed both cruising and racing and loved the challenges of both. With cruising there is the excitement of discovering a new destination and the joy of exploring natures backyard, with  crystal clear bays and new landscapes.

Whether it be the sound of waves moving against the boat, having a steady breeze set the sails or watching the stars at night, you can't help but feel relaxed and miles away from everyday life. On the other hand racing is also a lot of fun. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush when you are inches apart from other yachts on the start line or the feeling of contentment when all the hours of trimming the sails and navigating the best course to sail pays off and you win the trophy. By far the most rewarding aspect is being part of a team and sharing a common goal of having fun, learning and working together to get a great result. The rewards are great but it really is the team culture created by the skipper that keeps you coming back.The experience of David and his easy going nature make you feel at ease but you also know you're in good hands.

Steve Tucker - Entrepreneur

In August 2017, I joined David and his crew aboard Ocean Gem for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week Regatta. I have known Dave for close to 20 years through business in New Zealand. When he invited me to join the crew for the regatta I jumped at the opportunity. I have been a casual sailor since I was a teenager and was happy to join the crew as a general deck hand. David and his team blew me away with the sailing and social experience I had and needless to say I am returning to Hamilton Island Race Week from New Zealand to join the crew again in 2018. As a skipper, a team mate and sailor David is exceptional.

The environment he creates is relaxed and yet his competitiveness is infectious. He communicates and teaches in a way that puts everyone at ease. He likes to win and yet is just as happy to sit with a beer at the end of the day and reflect on successes and failures for the day. Also more than happy to have the odd joke thrown into the discussion, especially if its a bit of the old Aussie/Kiwi banter. David is certainly a cool and calm skipper and an extremely competent sailor. I look forward to the next time I step onboard Ocean Gem.

Heather McIntyre - Research Assistant

I have sailed with David Hows on two Ocean Sailing Expeditions and highly recommend him to anyone who loves a sailing adventure.  David is an excellent skipper and his easy manner sets the tone for a great experience, while his sailing expertise cannot be matched. Being a fairly new sailor there was much to learn while offshore sailing on a larger vessel. 

Learning to use electronic winches, windless anchors, the nuances of anchoring, night sailing and using navigation equipment were some of the new encounters I had while sailing between Southport and Hamilton Island in 2021.  Seeing whales and turtles while island hopping and then anchoring and landing on the most beautiful islands of Qld to walk on a soft powdery sandy beaches or swim in a rock pool at sunset are memories I will treasure.  

I enjoyed that first adventure so much I went back in 2022, this time to try something different. I have been racing for a couple of years in South Australia and this gave me the confidence to join the crew of Silver Fern for one of Australia’s premium sailing regattas.  That week did not disappoint.  Everything exceeded all my expectations.  David led a crew of 15, who had not sailed together before (all had various levels of sailing skill), to compete against some very experience crews.  Hamilton Island Race Week required us to work together for six days of racing (most races were around 35 nautical miles) in unfamiliar waters in various weather conditions. 

At the start of the week the days were warm and sunny. Toward the end of the week it was wet weather gear on and pretty much a white out.  The diversity of weather conditions meant that each day decisions around tactics had to be made between the crew about which headsail was required and whether to use the spinnaker or the asymmetrical for downwind runs. Dodging whales, any of the other 200 yachts competing, Hamilton Island ferries and often when the finish line was under the flight path, landing planes all added to the adrenalin rush. After a day of sailing when hundreds of sailors headed for the organised onshore events the atmosphere was electric and an experience not to be missed. Deciding to be part of the crew for this regatta is seriously one of the best things I have ever chosen to do.  I’m sure I will be signing up for another Ocean Sailing Expedition before too long.

John Geange - Retired

I arrived at Hamilton Island Airport on Saturday afternoon of the 17th of August. David met me at the airport and took me to the villa I was staying in. I met Alex, Helen and Yves when I got there as they were also part of the Ocean Gem team. Later in the day I met crew members Steve and Samson as we were all sharing a Villa. I was immediately made welcome by all. That evening we went to the main marina and met crew members Allan and Tim and their partners. We watched the Wallabies vs All Blacks rugby game on the big screen and then all went and had a meal. It was a very enjoyable evening and a good way to meet all team members. On the Sunday we all met at the boat.

When we were all onboard David gave a briefing and allocated our tasks. Steve who was the tactician explained what we were going to do and how he was going to prepare us for each race day and what our pre-start procedure would be. I was fully informed on how to carry out my tasks, which was to be in the “pit”and manage the halyards, assist with main sail trim and grinding etc. We had pre-race briefings everyday and as a result of the great communication I did not hear shouting on the boat. After the each race we had a daily debriefing and went over the whole race and all team members were asked to speak. I found this very informative and helpful.

My experience is that I cannot speak highly enough of the people on the boat and the calm respectful manner that everyone showed one another. This was also very evident in the villa we stayed in and while onshore. All team members just helped doing whatever was required and we had an enjoyable social time together. All together it was a great week with very nice people. I look forward to sailing with the Ocean Gem crew again.

Kevin Holland - Retired

It was with great intrepidation and uncertainty that I first contacted David at Ocean Sailing Podcast in regard to obtaining a place on the Tasman Sea crossing from Auckland, New Zealand via Norfolk Island to Southport, Australia. While I had done a lot of dingy sailing in the past, I had no experience in passage sailing and lacked confidence in my ability. What a wonderful opportunity this proved to be for me. I loved every exciting moment of the experience from the 1,681nm distance, to the raging seas, 16.1 knot speed record surfing 2-3 metre swells in up to 25 knot winds, to being on the helm alone during night watch, hardly believing that I was actually doing this, to swimming in shark infested waters at Norfolk Island and being allowed to be hoisted to the top of the 17 metre mast to untangle a couple of loose halyards in the dark. What more could one ask?

David is a true gentleman, a wonderful mentor and the type of person I aspire to be like. Nothing was a problem for him or the others. I never was made to feel bad for making mistakes and this provided an opportunity to improve, improvise and learn. My experience was further enhanced by the two other fantastic crew mates in Lena and Steve.

Kris Hook - Builder

I have completed more than 2,000nm of ocean passages as a crew member on Ocean Gem. In this time I've experienced a very committed skipper who always puts the safety of the crew and the boat at top of the list. Ocean Gem is very strong and safe and is well set up to handle heavy weather. It has the ability to win races in moderate winds and handle the rough weather with ease. It's been great to be part of an experienced crew who are easy going, helpful and more than happy to pass on their knowledge. 

Alex Lomakin - Business Owner

Sailing on Ocean Gem over the last few years has been a fantastic experience. Getting the opportunity to compete in world class ocean races like the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race as well as Sydney to Gold Coast, Hamilton Island Race week and local regattas has been outstanding.

David makes a great teacher and mentor and has the patience and temperament to bring the best out of his crew and the boat. Ocean Gem has proved to be an extremely competitive boat performing well above what you would expect a boat of this type to do. This has been all due to the never give up and positive attitude of David and all who sail with him. I have learnt a lot over this time, be it regattas, twilight racing, ocean racing, delivery trips; it’s all been a fantastic time. Its a great group so much so that my wife is now a keen participant and it has proved to be a great training ground for her. I love the experience and always look forward to the next sailing opportunity.

Lena Padukova - Professional Adventurer

I had the privilege of racing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race onboard Ocean Gem, with David Hows as the skipper. Arriving from the opposite side of the world on Christmas Eve 2017, I had not met anyone from the racing team and only had met David through email and a Skype interview. However, my trust in his competence proved to be correct and I could not have wished for a better boat to race on. I was very impressed by the management and leadership skills of the skipper.

Apart from the excellent planning, execution and follow-up of the project, David managed to get together a well-functioning team, motivate them to work their hardest and make everyone feel appreciated - as well as have fun! In all situations, he led by example, and stayed even-tempered and positive, even when the going was tough, which resulted in the crew doing the same. I enjoyed the relaxed yet respectful atmosphere and felt appreciated as well as 100% safe. Being willing to share his competence, while staying patient, respectful and open-minded, makes David an appreciated coach by sailors, regardless of skill level. I would highly recommend sailing with David on Ocean Gem!

Lena Padukova, professional adventurer, Sweden. www.adrenalena.se

Shaya Laughlin - Journalist

I had the opportunity to sail with David and his crew on Ocean Gem for the 2016 Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race and while training for it, several months in its lead up. David was extremely professional but also had a fun, inspiring way to share his passion for sailing with everyone. I learnt so much about the sport and always felt supported during training and races. My time on Ocean Gem is something I will forever cherish. 

Mark Gallick - NSW Trains

Sailing with David Hows was a great experience and made me realise - yes I do want to get another sailboat. As I read through some of the other testimonials on this page everyone seems to say the same things, especially how “safe and comfortable” David makes everyone feel. After spending a week with David, I would have to agree, as that was my experience from the time David met me at Hamilton Island Airport, until he dropped me off at the Gold Coast Airport and all 600nm onboard Ocean Gem in between. 

I would have liked to stop at more islands on the trip, but I didn't think about the 30-40 knot winds that were forecast three days down the track. David’s cautious planning meant we arrived at the destination 4 hours before the winds picked up. David made everything seem so easy and effortless, but I know it was his experience and forward planning that made it possible. I look forward to sailing with him again. Thanks again David. P.S. I also enjoyed the food!

Rod Routh - Consultant

The difference between sailing on Ocean Gem and other boats is the ability of David to coach and mentor each member of the crew on “why we do it this way” as well as “how we do it”. I am sure this is the main reason we have been so successful. We have a great core crew, some of who are experts in their positions and have been trained in multiple positions by David. This has resulted in a really well-trained team and is reflected in the results we have achieved.