Port Vila, vanuatu to southport, Australia/ 1,050nm / 6 - 17 aug 2024
11 days / cat O ocean passage / Event #2421 / sALT LINES / last CREW position available
Overview
Embark on an 11-day sailing adventure that traverses the dynamic coastal landscapes of Vanuatu and Australia. Your voyage begins in Port Vila, the bustling capital of Vanuatu, where a vibrant mix of cultures and a deep natural harbour welcome you to the island nation. Here, explore the local markets brimming with colourful crafts and fresh produce, and dive into the crystal-clear waters that are a haven for snorkellers and divers alike. From Vanuatu, set sail across the Coral Sea to Australia’s famed Gold Coast, anchoring at Southport. This lively city offers a striking contrast, with its spectacular skylines and bustling marinas juxtaposed against tranquil waterways and lush hinterlands. Southport serves as the perfect gateway to the Gold Coast’s renowned beaches, theme parks, and shopping districts, providing endless entertainment and relaxation opportunities. This journey offers a blend of urban excitement and serene island charm, ideal for those looking to experience the best of both sea and city on their sailing expedition.
Passage plan
Crew registration
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Shared cabin AUD$7,250 (per berth)
11 days
Expedition Description
Port Vila
Port Vila, the vibrant capital city of Vanuatu, is a melting pot of Pacific culture, bustling markets, and colonial history, making it a fascinating destination for any sailor exploring the South Pacific. Nestled on the main island of Efate, Port Vila's natural harbour offers a safe and scenic anchorage for yachts. The city is not just the economic and commercial centre of Vanuatu but also a cultural hub with an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars that showcase the diverse culinary influences of the region. Historically, Port Vila has seen influences from several colonial powers, including the British and French, which is reflected in its architecture and local customs. Today, it serves as a gateway to Vanuatu’s numerous attractions, including stunning reefs for diving, lush rainforests for trekking, and active volcanoes that beckon the adventurous. The blend of friendly locals, exotic landscapes, and rich history provides an immersive experience that begins the moment you dock at its shores.
Southport Gold Coast
Southport, situated on the beautiful Gold Coast of Australia, is an ideal destination for sailors seeking both adventure and relaxation. As the central business district of the Gold Coast, Southport is a lively area filled with shops, businesses, and parks, but it’s the city’s waterfront that makes it particularly appealing to maritime visitors. With its protected waters and modern facilities, the Southport Yacht Club is an excellent base for exploring the broader Gold Coast region. Southport is also renowned for its Broadwater Parklands, a sprawling green space with recreational facilities overlooking the water, perfect for a leisurely day on shore. The area is steeped in history, once an important site for the indigenous Yugambeh people and later a popular seaside resort in the early 20th century. Today, it blends its rich heritage with contemporary attractions, including world-class entertainment and dining options. Whether you're looking to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, relax on the sun-drenched beaches, or explore the intricate waterways that extend inland, Southport offers a compelling mix of activities that make it a must-visit destination on any sailing itinerary along Australia’s eastern coast.
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
Itinerary
You can fly directly into Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, Vanuatu on the 6th of August 2024 in time to join the crew at the Yachting World Marina for a welcome dinner. Our crew will then assemble on the 7th of August for yacht familiarisation and safety training process. You are welcome to stay onboard from the 6th onwards and we will aim to depart on the morning of the 8th of August once customs formalities are completed. We would expect to arrive in Southport on the 15th or 16th of August. You can plan to fly out of Brisbane or Gold Coast Airports from the 17th of August onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Port Villa by 4pm on 6/8/24
Crew welcome dinner on 6/8/24
Crew training and safety familiarisation 7/8/24
Depart Port Villa around 12pm on 8/8/24
Arrive in Southport Marina by 3pm on 16/8/24
Crew farewell dinner on 16/8/24
Depart Southport on 17/8/24
Getting to and from the yacht
Arrival at the yacht before departure: Bauerfield airport
Departing from the yacht on arrival: Fly home from The Gold Coast Airport.
Airlines that fly into Vanuatu: Multiple, search Webjet
Airlines that fly out of Gold Coast : Multiple, search Webjet
Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway
Land transport:
Vanuatu: taxis, shuttles
Gold Coast: Taxis, shuttles, uber.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Vanuatu and in Southport, 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.
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. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
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