Auckland, New Zealand to Elizabeth and Middleton reef’s to Southport Australia / 1,310nm / 21 nov - 4 Dec 2022
12 days / Cat 0 Ocean Passage / SILVER FERN: CREW full waitlist only
The Category 0 ocean passage from Auckland, New Zealand to Southport, Queensland, Australia includes a stopover at Elizabeth Reef and a circumnavigation of the notorious Middleton Reef; two of the southern most platform reefs in the world. It’s a great opportunity to cross the Tasman Sea.
These 6nm long reefs rise up from the 4,000 metre deep Tasman Sea floor and are both visible at low tide. They have claimed more than 70 vessels in the past 100 years with some wrecks still visible on the reefs. Initially we’ll sail from North Cape 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!
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.
Our skippers have sailed across the Tasman Sea twelve 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 1,310nm route from Auckland to Elizabeth & Middleton Reef’s to Southport
TOTAL AUD $7,750
12 days
Additional media
Check out photo gallery highlights from a previous Tasman Sea passages.
Read the blog articles published by Lena Padukova after her 2019 Trans-Tasman on previous yacht; Ocean Gem.
Highlights from the 2021 passage from Auckland to Southport
HERES WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails and gennakers (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 21st of November 2022. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. Our crew will officially assemble from the 22nd onwards and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 23rd of November 2022, 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 Elizabeth Reef, Middleton Reef and finally Southport, Queensland, Australia.
You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 21st of November, 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 4th of December.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Auckland 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