The Hobart to Opua Ocean Passage is a thrilling 1,350-nautical-mile Category 0 offshore sailing expedition that takes you from Tasmania’s wild southern shores across the challenging Tasman Sea to the subtropical coastline of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
This direct, non-stop crossing offers a rare chance to sail one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most respected ocean routes. The Tasman Sea is known for its long swells, shifting weather systems, and remote horizons. With no landmass between Australia and Antarctica, it’s a true test of seamanship and endurance.
Departing from Hobart, you’ll head northeast into open water, joining the watch system and learning practical offshore skills—helming, navigation, sail trim, and weather routing. The rhythm of ocean life sets in with starlit nights, brilliant sunrises, and close encounters with dolphins or migrating whales.
Landfall is made in Opua, New Zealand’s northernmost port of entry, where the satisfaction of completing a major blue water crossing is felt the moment you step ashore. This is a voyage for sailors seeking challenge, growth, and the unforgettable experience of crossing the Tasman.
Sail One of the World’s Great Ocean Routes
The Hobart to Opua Ocean Passage is a thrilling offshore expedition from Tasmania’s wild southern coast to the subtropical waters of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. As a direct, non-stop blue water crossing, this is a serious offshore challenge. Ideal for sailors wanting to test themselves and gain deep-ocean experience.
Conquer the Legendary Tasman Sea
Known for its powerful weather systems, long-period swells, and ever-changing conditions, the Tasman Sea is a rite of passage for many offshore sailors. With no landmass between you and Antarctica, this route demands skill, resilience, and good seamanship.
Guided by Expert Skippers
Our skippers bring decades of offshore experience, including more than 20 Tasman crossings. You'll benefit from expert knowledge in ocean routing, heavy weather tactics, and onboard safety, ensuring your passage is challenging, but well managed and rewarding.
Live the Offshore Rhythm
Sail day and night as you fall into the rhythm of blue water life. From helming and navigation to watch rotations, weather interpretation and sail trim, this is a hands-on learning environment. Starlit night sails, bioluminescent wakes, and dolphins on the bow add wonder to the experience.
A True Sense of Accomplishment
Landfall in Opua, New Zealand’s northern gateway for international yachts, marks the completion of a major ocean voyage. Clearing customs here brings with it not just entry into New Zealand, but a well-earned sense of achievement that only a serious offshore passage can provide.
Take on your dedicated crew role onboard and master your area of responsibility and how you interact and communicate with the race crew.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route for each days race course.
Navigating around rocks, reefs and islands , hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Crew planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Planning our daily course around weather, islands, big 3-4m tides and the island effect on wind strength and direction.
Master your sail trimming onboard a high performance yacht. There will be plenty of hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, asymmetric kites, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
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.
Step aboard Awen, a high-performance ocean-going yacht built for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable sailing experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of offshore passages, island-hopping through remote archipelagos, or enjoying sunset sails with a like-minded crew, Awen offers the perfect blend of speed, adventure and capability. With experienced skippers, hands-on sailing opportunities, and ever-changing seascapes, every journey on Awen is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself.
You can fly directly into Hobart Airport join the yacht. The airport is 35 minutes by cab/Uber from the marina.
15 Jan 2026
Arrive at the vessel in Hobart by 3.00pm
Crew safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
16 Jan 2026
On the water crew training
17 Jan 2026
Clear customs, depart Hobart Marina and head for Tasman Island
18 - 25 Jan 2026
Sailing across the Tasman Sea
26 Jan 2026
Arrive in Opua and clear New Zealand Customs
Crew farewell dinner
27 Jan 2026
Depart Opua after 12pm. Fly out of Keri Keri Airport (30 minute cab ride from marina) or catch the bus from Opua to Auckland.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard on the passage, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port prior to departure, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.
Prior to departure on a passage, you will need to book 2-nights’ accommodation ashore. You will stay onboard for the duration of the passage, while at sea and 1 night (optional) after arrival in port at the end of the passage.
We provide optional accommodation packages, that include transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew.
You can purchase as an add on item during the booking process, or closer to the event.
You can also arrange your own accommodation ashore: Options: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.