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Hamilton Island to Lord Howe Island to Balls Pyramid to Pittwater Ocean Passage Cruising

Hamilton Island, Australia
  • Event date: 17/08/2022
  • Event end: 31/08/2022
  • When: JUL-SEP
  • Duration: 2 weeks

Hamilton Island to Lord Howe Island to Balls Pyramid to Pittwater / 1,270nm / 14 Days / CAT 1 Offshore Passage

Take a stunning 1,270nm+ Category 1 ocean passage from Hamilton Island south, down Queensland’s East Coast through the sparkling Whitsunday Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to Lord Howe Island and then onto the final destination of Pittwater NSW, 16 Nm north of Sydney. We’ll overnight at one of the islands or a coastal marina and then assess the weather conditions to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world’s largest sand island; Fraser Island’.

Then we will set a course for Lord Howe Island, where we will tie up on a mooring in the lagoon for 2 nights on the western side and take the opportunity to swim, cycle, hike, relax and enjoy everything this stunning island has to offer. Upon departing Lord Howe Island we’ll sail past the unique Balls Pyramid 13nm to the SE, stretching almost 500m out of the ocean, before changing course for SW for the final leg to Pittwater.

At this time of the year thousands of whales head up and down the Australian East Coast and whale sightings along with dolphins and sea turtles are a common occurrence so bring your camera.

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

Hamilton Island to Pittwater
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Price:

7250 AUD $

Book on Salt Lines

Hamilton Island to Lord Howe Island to Balls Pyramid to Pittwater / 1,270nm / Salt Lines/ 17 Aug – 31 Aug 2022

You’ll fly into Hamilton Island directly or into Airlie Beach (Proserpine) and catch the ferry to Hamilton Island on the 17th of August 2022. We’ll have a crew dinner on the night of the 17th at Hamilton Island and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 18th of August, we’ll depart Hamilton Island Marina and head south through the Whitsunday Islands. It’s a navigators minefield with islands, reefs, whales, commercial ships, pleasure boats and the Australian Navy to watch out. This voyage normally takes 12 days of sailing time to complete and we’ll break it up with some overnight stops in sheltered islands, bays or at a marina on way south. On the way south we’ll assess the weather conditions and tide times to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world’s largest sand island; ‘Fraser Island’. The inside (western) route has additional navigation challenges including crossing the notorious Wide Bay Bar at the southern tip of Fraser Island before heading SE to Lord Howe Island for a stopover, then onto the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Pittwater, NSW.

We would expect to arrive in Pittwater on the 31st of August and you are welcome to stay onboard the entire time and should plan to fly out of Sydney on 1st September.

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 the weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls
  • Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating the best route to the 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.

Your crew package includes:

  • all meals onboard
  • crew meals ashore in Hamilton Island, Lord Howe Island and in Pittwater
  • 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.

Your crew package excludes:

  • accommodation ashore
  • flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports and visas
  • 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 in case 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.

Boats
Program 2022

Hamilton Island to Lord Howe Island to Balls Pyramid to Pittwater / 1,270nm / Salt Lines/ 17 Aug – 31 Aug 2022

You’ll fly into Hamilton Island directly or into Airlie Beach (Proserpine) and catch the ferry to Hamilton Island on the 17th of August 2022. We’ll have a crew dinner on the night of the 17th at Hamilton Island and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 18th of August, we’ll depart Hamilton Island Marina and head south through the Whitsunday Islands. It’s a navigators minefield with islands, reefs, whales, commercial ships, pleasure boats and the Australian Navy to watch out. This voyage normally takes 12 days of sailing time to complete and we’ll break it up with some overnight stops in sheltered islands, bays or at a marina on way south. On the way south we’ll assess the weather conditions and tide times to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world’s largest sand island; ‘Fraser Island’. The inside (western) route has additional navigation challenges including crossing the notorious Wide Bay Bar at the southern tip of Fraser Island before heading SE to Lord Howe Island for a stopover, then onto the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Pittwater, NSW.

We would expect to arrive in Pittwater on the 31st of August and you are welcome to stay onboard the entire time and should plan to fly out of Sydney on 1st September.

Tips

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 the weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls
  • Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating the best route to the 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.
Inclusions

Your crew package includes:

  • all meals onboard
  • crew meals ashore in Hamilton Island, Lord Howe Island and in Pittwater
  • 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 and visas
  • 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 in case 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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Alex Lomakin

I have learnt a lot over this time, be it regattas, twilight racing, ocean racing, delivery trips; it’s all been a fantastic time.

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Guy Reeve

Sailing 800nm with David Hows on Ocean Gem from Southport to Lord Howe Island and Pittwater via Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs was an absolute blast and one of my all-time top trips, with conditions ranging from challenging to cruisy.

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Having done a little sailing many years ago, I jumped at the chance to crew on David Hows’ Ocean Gem in ‘Twilight’ and offshore races out of Southport Yacht Club.

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Kris Hook

I have completed more than 2,000nm of ocean passages as a crew member on Ocean Gem. In this time I’ve experienced a very committed skipper who always puts the safety of the crew and the boat at top of the list.

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Joanne Harpur

Offshore sailing is not always fun, it can be cold, tiring, and unforgiving. Would I sail with David Hows on Ocean Gem again? Absolutely.

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Kevin Holland

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On our recent Trans-Tasman passage from Auckland to Southport, David again proved he is a great skipper, very competent, skilful and high-performing, but also respectful and patient. His organisational skills are exemplary; nothing is left to chance. He’s a competent leader and a great guy.

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April Seymour

David stays calm and totally patient with us taking the time to get the job done without adding any extra pressure or stress. I definitely learned a lot and the experience will make me a better skipper.

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Steve Tucker

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Mark Gallick

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