The Islands and Ports of Bass Strait / 620nm / 15 Feb - 1 Mar 2022

15 days / cat 1 Expedition / SILVER FERN: 1 CREW position available

The Islands and Ports of Bass Strait Expedition is a Category 1 - 620nm exploration of the islands, harbours and ports of the notorious, yet history rich Bass Strait set between mainland Australia and its most southern island state of Tasmania and finishing with a sail down the east coast of Tasmania to the port of Hobart. This expedition in bad weather can be 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 sailing experiences. It is not for the fainthearted and there is no guarantee of stopovers at all the desired locations. 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$7,250

15 days

Itinery

You can fly directly into Devonport Airport on or before the 15th of February 2022 and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the 16th of February we'll meet for breakfast, then familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and get you ready for departure before aiming to leave by the dock around midday. We will aim sail into Hobart on the 28th of February and you should aim to depart out of Hobart Airport on or after the 1st of March 2022.

The Tasmanian coastline includes some of the most extreme maritime scenery in Australia. The voyage starts at the city of Devonport on the Mersey River, before sailing west to a visit to the fishing village of Stanley nestling under The Nut. As we sail past the NW corner we’ll aim to stop at Three Hummock Island or Hunter Island to await a suitable weather window for the sail to King Island famous for its cheese, lobsters and beef exports. The big leg of the expedition is east bound across Bass Strait to either Deal Island or Flinders Island to our next anchorage in the Furneaux Group where we will spend time anchored in a number of bays and exploring ashore.

On the final passage south to Hobart we will stop at Wineglass Bay, before sailing through the stunning Schouten Passage, south past Maria Island and past the unforgettable views of the towering dolerite cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Tasman Island to a stopover at the nineteenth century convict settlement of Port Arthur. The last leg to Hobart will finish with an end-of-adventure dinner at the Customs House on the Hobart Waterfront.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Devonport, Hobart and various stopover ports, 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.

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