New Zealand’s Southern Islands Expedition / 1,740nm / 21 Days / CAT 1 Ocean Expedition
The Southern Ocean and the Tasman Sea are two of the most revered oceans on the planet. This unique passage will be dictated by weather, with us departing Bluff to cross the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island and then south and then east to the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, the Antipodes Islands, Depot Island and the Chatham Islands, before sailing to our final destination in Picton, in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.
David has crossed the Tasman Sea nine times (two solos) and circumnavigated Tasmania on Ocean Gem which takes in the Southern Ocean as well. 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 and the Southern Ocean are easy to navigate safely if you stay clear of the winter storm season (late May to August) and wait for safe weather windows between legs.
This is an absolute bucket-list expedition and a hugely satisfying personal achievement. The sea life, remote island wild life, milky way, phosphorescence and tranquility of crossing an ocean and seeing no other vessels for the bulk of the voyage, really make this a special sailing experience.
