Auckland to Norfolk Island, Ball’s Pyramid, Lord Howe Island, Elizabeth Reef, Middleton Reef and Southport / 1,400nm / 17 Apr - 1 May 2021
15 days / Cat O expedition / crew full waitlist only
The Category 0 ocean passage from Auckland, New Zealand to Norfolk Island, Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island, Middleton Reef, Elizabeth Reef and onto to Southport, Queensland, Australia is a true adventurers expedition. We depart Auckland and head north up the east coast of New Zealand until we clear North Cape, then sail 390nm NW to Norfolk Island, where (weather permitting) we will anchor and go ashore, clear Australian Customs and take a tour of the island and take in the rich history dating back to the early convict inhabitants. Then we will set sail for Lord Howe Island via a sail past of the unique Balls Pyramid, stretching almost 500m out of the ocean. We’ll stop at Lord Howe Island where we will tie up on a mooring in the lagoon for 2-3 nights on the western side and take the opportunity to swim, cycle, hike, relax and enjoy everything this stunning island has to offer.
Then the real adventure begins with a sail 100nm north to Elizabeth Reef, where we will anchor and go ashore on Elizabeth Island, a sand island inside the platform reef thats covered at high tide. Imagine standing on a tiny island 300nm off the East Coast of Australia with nothing but the Tasman Sea in every direction!
Next we will sail 30nm to the notorious Middleton Reef, one of the southernmost platform reefs in the world. This 6nm long reef rises up off the 3,000 metre deep Tasman Sea floor and is visible at low tide. It’s claimed more than 70 vessels in the past 100 years with some wrecks still visible. The final destination is Southport, Queensland, 300nm west of Middleton Reef, where we will clear customs and tie up at the Southport Yacht Club.
This expedition will have some unique sights including seeing ship wrecks visible on top of the Middleton Reef, turquoise blue lagoons, amazing sea life and the steep Jurassic like cliff faces of Lord Howe Island. With nothing but open ocean from the bottom of Australia/New Zealand to Antartica; 1,000nm to the south, the ocean swell can build in height with no land to stop it for more than 2,500nm until it hits the shores of the Pacific Islands. There are many reasons why more people have climbed Mount Everest than have sailed across the Tasman Sea and the rapidly changing nature of the Tasman Sea's weather system is one of them.
I have sailed across the Tasman Sea as skipper eight times (two solo), the keys to success include waiting for the weather window, downloading live weather en-route and sailing a vessel thats easy to mode for all wind and swell conditions. Despite its reputation for extreme conditions, the Tasman Sea is easy to cross safely if you stay clear of the winter storm season (late May to early August) and wait for a safe weather window. It’s an absolute bucket-list voyage and a hugely satisfying personal achievement.
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
The 1,400nm route from Auckland to Southport via Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island, Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs.
TOTAL AUD $7,750
15 days
Additional media
Check out photo gallery highlights from a previous Southport to Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef to Lord Howe Island to Balls Pyramid to Pittwater/Sydney passages.
Check out photo gallery highlights from a previous trip from Auckland to Norfolk Island to Brisbane.
Read the blog articles published by Lena Padukova after her 2019 Trans-Tasman on Ocean Gem.
Listen to episode 64: Passage to Middleton Reef, Elizabeth Reef, Lord Howe Island & Balls Pyramid (Our 2018 passage). Click image on left.
Lord Howe Island information.
Highlights from the 2019 passage to Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid
HERES WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
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).
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.
Itinery
You can fly directly into Auckland on or before the 17th of April 2021. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew dinner ashore. Our crew will officially assemble on the 18th onwards and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 19th April 2021, when we will clear Customs and then depart Auckland and sail up the east coast of New Zealand passing the northernmost tip; Cape Reinga, before heading for Norfolk Island where we swill top briefly for an island tour, before continuing for a sail past Balls Pyramid and the final 13nm to Lord Howe Island for a 2 day stopover. We will then sail north for stops (weather permitting) at both Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs before the final 300nm west to Southport, Queensland, Australia.
You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to 17th of April, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore, but check with me first. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Southport and should plan to depart out of either Coolangatta (Gold Coast) or Brisbane airports on or after 3rd of May.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Auckland, Lord Howe Island and 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 is 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 Category 1 Course at least 2 months 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