thursday island to cairns / 450nm / 22 - 30 JUl 2024
8 days / cat 2 expedition / EVENT #2442 / MAGIC MILES: last 2 CREW POSITIONs AVAILABLE
Overview
Embark on a captivating 8-day sailing adventure with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, beginning at Thursday Island and navigating through the breathtaking waters of Australia's far north, eventually reaching the lively city of Cairns. This unforgettable journey offers a balance of exploration, adventure and relaxation from natures elements.
The adventure kicks off at Thursday Island, where you'll discover the fascinating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences, along with panoramic vistas of the Torres Strait that will ignite your wanderlust. Next, Horn Island beckons with its wartime history and rich cultural heritage. From here, we sail to the Mount Adolphus Islands, where crystal-clear waters and picturesque anchorages invite swimming and relaxation.
Stanley Island unveils ancient Indigenous rock art that shares stories from millennia ago, and Lizard Island welcomes you with its famed Blue Lagoon and pristine beaches. Indulge in unparalleled relaxation and activities like hiking and diving in its luxurious natural surroundings.
Arriving at Cooktown, the historic town invites you to walk in Captain Cook's footsteps and uncover the fascinating stories of Australia's early settlers. Further south, Cairns Reef showcases the vivid biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, providing a diver's paradise. Finally, as you sail to the tropical gateway of Cairns, immerse yourself in the unparalleled splendour of the Coral Sea, concluding your journey with unforgettable memories from Ocean Sailing Expeditions.
Onboard with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, your 8-day journey transcends the ordinary, with each day unveiling new horizons. Our spacious yacht, complete with an expert crew, ensures your journey is not only comfortable but also filled with enriching experiences—whether you're mastering the helm under the guidance of our captain, savouring the flavours of gourmet cuisine, or simply basking in the tranquility of secluded bays.
This voyage is more than a passage through tropical waters; it's an adventure that will capture your heart and invigorate your spirit. Join us, where the magic of the sea meets the adventure of a lifetime.
Passage plan
Crew registration
Secure your place on the crew with deposit options from 20%.
CAPTAINS CHOICE
shared cabin: AUD$3,750 (1 berth)
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$10,125 (3 BERTHS)
Expedition Description
Thursday Island
Thursday Island is the vibrant cultural and administrative heart of the Torres Strait. Known for its colorful history, diverse culture, and pearl diving heritage, this island offers a unique blend of Melanesian and Australian influences. Visitors can explore its historical sites, including World War II fortifications and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, which showcases Torres Strait Islander art and history. The warm, welcoming community and the island's strategic location, providing access to the beautiful waters and islands of the Torres Strait, make Thursday Island a fascinating stop for sailors exploring the northern reaches of Australia.Darwin, the vibrant capital city of Australia's Northern Territory, is a gateway to adventure and discovery. Rich in history and cultural diversity, it offers a unique blend of modern Australian lifestyle and ancient Indigenous traditions. Known for its wartime history and as the starting point of the infamous Bombing of Darwin, the city is a living museum. Sailing into Darwin Harbour, you'll find yourself in a bustling port with access to world-class fishing, incredible sunsets over the Timor Sea, and the chance to explore the remote and majestic landscapes of the Northern Territory. It's a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking the thrill of exploration.
Horn Island
Horn Island, in the Torres Strait, is rich in history and culture. Known for its strategic importance during World War II, the island features fascinating military relics and a museum dedicated to its wartime history. Its multicultural community reflects the unique blend of Indigenous Torres Strait Islander and European influences, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Torres Strait. Horn Island's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a compelling destination for those sailing through this remote part of Australia.
Mount Adolphus Islands
The Mount Adolphus Islands are a group of uninhabited islands that offer seclusion and natural beauty in the Torres Strait. Known for their spectacular marine life and coral reefs, these islands are a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches provide a peaceful escape, while the islands' position offers a unique vantage point for understanding the geographical and cultural significance of the Torres Strait region. The untouched nature of the Mount Adolphus Islands makes them a prime destination for sailors seeking pristine environments and the tranquility of remote island life.
Lloyd Bay
Lloyd Bay, located near the Cape York Peninsula, offers a remote and rugged coastal experience. Its proximity to the Lockhart River and the rich biodiversity of the area make it an interesting spot for sailors looking to explore off the beaten path. The bay's sheltered waters provide a haven for yachts, while the surrounding wilderness invites adventurous spirits to discover its untouched beauty. Lloyd Bay's isolation is its charm, offering a slice of the wild and untamed Cape York Peninsula.
Stanley Island
Stanley Island, part of the Flinders Group, is famed for its Indigenous rock art galleries, which depict traditional stories and maritime scenes. These ancient artworks provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and culture of the Indigenous peoples of this region. The island's secluded beaches and the surrounding marine environment offer a peaceful retreat, with opportunities for snorkeling and exploring. Stanley Island's blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes it a compelling destination for those interested in Australia's ancient history and pristine landscapes.
Lizard Island
Lizard Island, renowned for its luxurious resort, is also a haven for sailors seeking the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience. With 24 powdery-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the famous Blue Lagoon, it's a destination that epitomizes tropical paradise. The island's research station underscores its ecological significance, offering insights into coral reef conservation. Lizard Island's natural beauty, combined with its historical significance as a research site, makes it a must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things in nature and life.
Cooktown
Cooktown is a historical gem, rich with the legacy of Captain James Cook's 1770 landing. This quaint town, nestled at the mouth of the Endeavour River, boasts a well-preserved heritage that tells the story of early exploration, Indigenous culture, and the gold rush era. Sailors can explore the town's museums, botanical gardens, and the famous Grassy Hill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The annual reenactment of Cook’s landing highlights Cooktown's significance in Australia's colonial history, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
Cairns
Cairns, a vibrant city framed by the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Wet Tropics Rainforest, serves as a gateway to northern Australia's vast natural wonders. A bustling marina welcomes sailors from around the globe, offering a launchpad to explore the unparalleled beauty of the Coral Sea. The city's history, from its Indigenous roots to its pivotal role in World War II, enriches the cultural tapestry of the region. Cairns is not just a point of departure but a destination in itself, with its lively Esplanade, thriving arts scene, and proximity to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Whether you're diving into the depths of the reef, enjoying the culinary delights of the city, or soaking in the tropical ambiance, Cairns promises an unforgettable experience.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Sailing: 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).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: 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.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: 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.
Weather impact
With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.
Extra reading
OCEAN SAILING PODCAST
EPISODE 118: MATT HARVEY / DAVID HOWS - AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION REVIEW: 8,500NM IN 4 MONTHS
Skippers David Hows and Matt Harvey catch up to review their 2-yacht circumnavigation of Australia in 2023. With 8,500nm covered in just 4 months, they share the highs and lows of covering the 7th largest coastline in the world. The event was spread over 5 legs and 102 crew in total, across the two 72-foot yachts; Silver Fern and Salt Lines, including 3 circumnavigators that completed all 5 legs. With 4,600 meals prepared, it was a planning exercise of military proportions.
With engine failures, crocodiles, storms and boat fatigue to deal with, sailing some sections of this vast country are not for the faint hearted. The stunning Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland islands and reefs, Cape York, Thursday Island, the Kimberley’s, 9 metre tides in Broome, the Montebello Island Group, the Great Australian Bight and the wilderness of Tasmania, there is just so much thats remote and incredible to explore.
SAILING.BLOG
Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation
Itinerary
You'll fly into Horn Island on the 22nd of July 2024 and catch the 10 minute ferry to Thursday Island. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 23rd of July we'll depart Thursday Island and head for our first of many stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 22nd of July, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 22nd, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.
We’ll aim to be tied up at Cairns Marina by 3pm on the 29th of July for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart Thursday Island from the 30th of July onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Thursday Island by 4pm on 22/07/24
Crew welcome dinner on 22/07/24
Crew training and safety familiarisation 23/07/24
Depart Thursday Island around 12pm on 23/07/24
Arrive in Cairns by 3pm on 29/07/24
Crew farewell dinner on 29/07/24
Depart Cairns on 30/07/24
Getting to and from the yacht
Arrival at the yacht before departure: Fly to Horn Island Airport from Cairns via Qantas.
Departing from the yacht on arrival: Cairns Airport
Getting between Horn Island Airport and Thursday Island: Take the 10 minute Thursday Island Ferry between Horn Island and Thursday Island.
Airlines that fly into Thursday Island : Qantas
Airlines that fly out of Cairns: Multiple, search Webjet
Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway
Land transport:
Cairns: taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore, and accommodation onboard throughout the duration of the event. It also incudes your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, any cruising permits and local taxes, 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.
Private Cabins
There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.
Review sailing calendar for all events