Captain Cooks South Island, New Zealand Circumnavigation / 1,140nm / 26 Sep - 10 Oct 2021
14 days / cat 1 expedition / 1 CREW POSITION AVAILABLE
The Captain Cook South Island Circumnavigation is a Category 1 - 1,140nm circumnavigation of New Zealand’s South Island and one of the most extreme challenges we undertake. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to retrace the steps of Captain James Cooks South Island voyage and complete one of the world’s more adventurous and spectacular ocean passage experiences.
It is not for the fainthearted it will depend on extensive preparation and considerable perseverance and the weather conditions we are dealt en-passage. The route and recommended anchorages are based on careful research, professional meteorological advice and leveraging detailed local sailing knowledge. We will stop in a handful of spectacular anchorages along the way and take in the dramatic scenery and enjoy the isolated serenity.
Secure your place on the crew with a 50% deposit. Expedition discounted by $1,000.
COVID STATUS: Crew bookings open to New Zealand residents only.
Captains James Cooks voyage around New Zealand
The 1,140nm South Island circumnavigation includes multiple sounds and harbours as stopover options
Normally AUD$7,750
14 days
COVID STATUS: Crew bookings open to New Zealand residents only. Note this passage has been discounted by $1,000 to $6,750.
Itinery
You can fly directly into Blenheim on or before the 26th of September 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 from the 27th onwards in the Waikawa Marina near Picton and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) on the 28th of September 2021 and leave the Waikawa Marina, sail out of the Marlborough Sounds and head for the West Coast before turning south for Stewart Island. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to 26th September, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.
The goal is to circumnavigate the South Island, stopping at a handful of scenic locations en-route, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe expedition. This may include waiting for bad weather to pass while safely anchored or moored in a sheltered bay, inner sound, harbour or anchorage.
The South Island coastline includes some of the most extreme maritime scenery in New Zealand. The voyage starts with departing Picton and sailing out through the Queen Charlotte Sound, before turning west to pass Farewell Spit, before sailing down the west coast to a explore number of anchorage opportunities in one of the many inner sounds of the lower west coast. Although Milford Sound is the most well known, there are numerous opportunities to explore some of the lesser known sounds such as George Sound, Thompson Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound.
On the south and east coast there are a variety of locations such as Bluff, Stewart Island, Port Chalmers, Timaru and Lyttelton Harbour that are potential ports of call. The final leg will be sailing from Lyttelton to Picton via the Tory Channel at the eastern entrance to the Marlborough Sounds. We will aim to sail back into Waikawa Marina, Picton on the 9th of October 2021. You can stay onboard when we arrive in Picton depart out of Blenheim airport to connecting flights from Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland airport's.
The numerous sounds on the lower west coast of the South Island
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Picton and various stopover ports, 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.
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 at least 1 month 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.
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