Ocean passage to Lord Howe Island

Join the crew for an unforgettable blue-water sailing adventure to spectacular Lord Howe Island. Build offshore experience, develop your sailing skills, and discover the excitement and challenge of a true ocean passage.

Description

There is nothing quite like the freedom and sense of achievement that comes with sailing across the open ocean to a remote island paradise.

Join the crew for two ocean passages, each typically over 600 nautical miles. Experience true blue-water sailing, develop your offshore skills and share an unforgettable adventure.

Our January passage begins in Hobart, Tasmania. From there, we sail offshore to Lord Howe Island, then continue to Eden before finishing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney.

Our April passage starts in Sydney with a coastal sail to Eden. From there, we head offshore to Lord Howe Island, followed by a return ocean passage to Eden before completing the adventure in Sydney.

Lord Howe Island

World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is one of the Pacific's most spectacular destinations, with white sandy beaches, dramatic volcanic peaks and a pristine coral lagoon.

Weather permitting, we'll spend a few days exploring the island, with opportunities for hiking, diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing before heading back to sea.

The sailing experience

You'll be an active member of the crew, helping plan and manage a challenging offshore voyage. With guidance from our instructors, you'll gain practical experience in:

  • Preparation for sea and offshore safety
  • Safety equipment and emergency procedures
  • Passage planning, weather routing and navigation
  • Heavy weather preparation and storm tactics
  • Sail trim, helming and boat handling
  • Man overboard prevention and recovery
  • Night sailing and watchkeeping
  • Seamanship, teamwork and leadership

You'll live aboard, sharing watches and daily duties as part of a working offshore crew.

The yacht and the instructors

You'll sail aboard SV Arctos, a rugged yacht purpose-built for Southern Ocean circumnavigation and ideally suited to offshore adventure.

Two experienced RYA-qualified instructors and AMSA Sailing Masters lead the voyage, providing expert coaching and support throughout.

You'll also sail alongside crew members working towards their RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualification, who have completed Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and will be practising celestial navigation during the passage.

By the end of the adventure, you'll have gained valuable offshore experience and shared a memorable voyage to one of the Pacific's most beautiful destinations.

Note: This adventure passage is not booked as an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage. If you're working towards that qualification, please book our Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track or Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and Qualifying Passage programme instead.

Before you start

  • You should have sailing experience at RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent practical experience.
  • We strongly recommend completing an Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course before departure.
  • Be ready to take an active role in the crew, sharing watches, daily duties and the challenges of life at sea.

What's included

  • Accommodation and all meals while sailing and living aboard
  • Professional instruction from two experienced offshore sailing instructors
  • Use of yacht safety equipment and training resources
  • Approximately 1,700 nautical miles of offshore sailing experience, subject to the final route and weather conditions

Not included: Meals ashore, personal expenses and optional activities during port visits.

What next?

  • You'll finish the adventure with valuable ocean sailing experience, greater confidence and a clearer understanding of your abilities offshore.
  • Your instructor will provide feedback on your sailing skills and recommend opportunities for further training and offshore adventures.

Faq

  • How do I book?
    • Secure your place with a 20% deposit using the booking links above. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
    • Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event, subject to our booking conditions.
    • Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
    • View our Terms and Conditions.
  • Can I use this passage towards RYA Yachtmaster Ocean?
    • This adventure booking does not include an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage or the associated assessment and documentation.
    • If you're working towards Yachtmaster Ocean, please book our Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track or Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and Qualifying Passage programme instead.
    • Contact us before booking if you're unsure which option is right for you.
  • Can I join for part of the voyage?
    • Possibly. If the full 16-day adventure doesn't suit your schedule, we may be able to arrange a shorter passage, such as sailing to Lord Howe Island and flying home.
    • All arrangements depend on weather, logistics and availability. Please contact us before booking.
  • What is life on board like?
    • This is a hands-on sailing adventure, not a crewed charter. You'll be an active member of the crew, sharing responsibility for sailing the yacht, watchkeeping, cooking, cleaning and daily duties.
    • Our professional instructors lead the voyage, but everyone contributes to life on board. Teamwork, flexibility and a positive attitude are all part of the experience.
    • Expect night watches, changing weather and the rewards and challenges of living and sailing together offshore.
  • Are meals and accommodation included?
    • Accommodation aboard the yacht and all meals while sailing and living on board are included.
    • Meals ashore while in port are generally at your own expense. Please refer to your detailed course joining instructions for specific arrangements.
    • Bring some spending money for meals ashore, activities and personal expenses on Lord Howe Island or at other ports of call.
  • How fit do I need to be?
    • You should have reasonable fitness, mobility and agility to move safely around a yacht at sea, including in rough conditions.
    • If you have any medical or mobility concerns, please discuss them with us before booking.
    • If you're prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication and seek advice on when to start taking it.
  • What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
    • Safety always comes first. Our skippers may adjust departure times, routes or destinations to suit prevailing and forecast conditions.
    • Ocean passages require flexibility, and the itinerary cannot be guaranteed. Please avoid making inflexible onward travel arrangements.
  • What should I bring?
    • Quick-dry clothing, warm layers and thermals
    • Waterproof offshore jacket and trousers
    • Non-slip deck shoes or sailing boots
    • Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses and sun protection
    • Sleeping bag and pillowcase
    • Headtorch, preferably with a red-light mode
    • Personal toiletries and towel
    • Any personal medication, including seasickness remedies
    • Pack in a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, as storage space is limited.
  • Do I need travel insurance?
    • We strongly recommend suitable travel insurance covering offshore sailing, medical expenses, trip disruption and changes to travel arrangements.
    • Check that your policy specifically covers the type of sailing and offshore passage involved.
  • Can I book a private group?
    • Yes. We welcome sailing clubs and private groups interested in a tailored offshore adventure.
    • Contact us with your preferred dates, group size and objectives to discuss the possibilities.

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