Auckland, N.Z.; Rurutu, Papeete, Tahiti

Valuable storm sailing and weather plotting is guaranteed on the edge of the Roaring Forties in an area of fast-moving fronts before blast reaching up to Rurutu. This leg has proven as challenging as our Cape Horn-Antarctica 1996, providing winds to at least 65 knots on most of the 14 times we've completed it. Rarely visited and exotic Rurutu in the Austral Islands provides a delightful introduction to tropical cruising. Total distance: 2,700 miles.

May 10-30, 2012
3 weeks
$6000
Filled, 1 wait list

Papeete, Tahiti; Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Leg 2 showcases the best sailing and most beautiful islands in the world. It offers a comprehensive overview of tropical passage making starting with an afternoon sail to Moorea, an overnighter to Huahine, day sails to Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Maupiti. When we reach tiny Mopelia, 150 miles west of Bora Bora, you'll be well prepared for the 550 mile passage across the South Pacific Convergence Zone to Rarotonga.  Total distance: 900 miles.

June 12-July 3, 2012
3 weeks
$6000
2 berths available

Rarotonga, Cooks; Niue; Niuatoputapu, Tonga; Apia, Samoa

Following a fast 600 mile broad reach from Rarotonga, we look forward to landfall at Niue, the world's smallest and friendliest island nation. We'll enjoy a couple days of swimming with humpback whales (if we're lucky), snorkeling (optional scuba) and cycling before sailing 250 miles to explore tiny Niuatoputapu, Tonga. Our final passage is 350 miles NE to Apia. Leg 4 provides heavy weather experience in reinforced trades reaching 35-45 knots and intense coral piloting and anchoring practice. Total distance 1,300 miles.

July 10-24, 2012
2 weeks
$5000
FILLED, 0 wait list

Apia, Samoa; Wallis & Futuna; Savusavu, Lautoka, Fiji

Great sailing conditions including a bit of heavy weather plus stunning islands and three distinctly different cultures make this expedition an excellent introduction to ocean cruising. The most challenging navigation of the year is the 260 mile passage from isolated Futuna Island through the dangerous Nanuka Passage to clear customs in Savusavu, Fiji. For the first time ever, we will sail over the poorly-charted northern coast of Viti Levu to Lautoka, just north of Nadi Int'l Airport. Occasional strong squally weather in the South Pacific Convergence Zone, poorly charted waters, strong currents and numerous reefs provide maximum learning potential. Total distance: 900 miles.

Aug 1-15, 2012
2 weeks
$5000
2 berths available

Lautoka, Fiji; Tanna, Port Vila, Vanuatu

If fast downwind sailing, interesting and unusual islands and culture plus great weather appeals, check this out: following a 550 mile broad reach we'll clear at Aneityum, Vanuatu. A fast 50 mile downwind passage will see us anchoring in shadow of and visiting the very active Mt Yasur volcano, where we will deliver medical and school supplies to primitive yet friendly islanders. Erromango Island is our final stop before zooming downwind to Port Vila. Total distance: 800 miles

Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2012
10 days
$4000
4 berths available

Port Vila, Vanuatu; Loyalty Islands, Noumea, New Caledonia

Exhilarating sailing, difficult navigation and coral piloting plus exotic islands highlight this leg. After a 220 mile passage we'll make landfall and explore the isolated Loyalty Islands. Then we may visit the spectacular Isle of Pines before tackling Havannah Pass to Noumea, "The Paris of the South Seas". Total distance: 500 miles.

Sept. 17-25, 2012
8 days
$3000
6 berths available

Noumea, New Caledonia; Brisbane, Australia

Fast sailing and heavy weather challenges in an area of fast-moving weather fronts, a difficult river bar crossing and a 40 mile long channel containing intense ship traffic provide an invaluable range of learning experiences. Total distance: 1000 miles

Oct. 8-18, 2012
10 days
$4000
4 berths available

Brisbane, Australia; Opua, Auckland, New Zealand

If you're after a demanding ocean passage, warmer and shorter than Leg 1, here it is! On this demanding 1500 mile Tasman crossing weather plotting and storm avoidance figure high on our teaching agenda. Upon leaving Brisbane we'll sail SSE to the northern edge of the Roaring Forties. Here we hope to catch the westerlies for an exhilarating sail across the Tasman to round New Zealand's treacherous Cape Reinga before sailing south to clear customs in Opua. The coastal passages from Opua to Auckland provide some of the best sailing we've ever experienced! Total distance: 1800 miles

Nov. 1-18, 2012
17 days
$5000
FILLED, 0 wait list

Auckland, New Zealand; Rurutu, Papeete, Tahiti

Valuable storm sailing and weather plotting is guaranteed on the edge of the Roaring Forties in an area of fast-moving fronts before blast-reaching up to Rurutu. This leg has proven as challenging as our Cape Horn-Antarctica 1996, providing winds to at least 65 knots on most of the 15 times we've completed it. Rarely visited and exotic Rurutu in the
Austral Islands provides an introduction to tropical cruising.

Total distance: 2,700 miles.

May 9-29 2013
3 Weeks
$6,000
4 berths available

Papeete, Tahiti; Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Leg 2 showcases the best sailing and most beautiful islands in the world. It offers a comprehensive overview of tropical passage making starting with an afternoon sail to Moorea, and overnighter to Huahine, day sails to Ralatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Maupiti. When we reach Mopelia, 150 miles west of Bora Bora, you'll be well prepared for the 550 mile passage across the South Pacific Convergence Zone to Rarotonga.

Total distance: 900 miles.

June 11-July 2 2013
3 Weeks $6,000
3 berths available

Rarotonga, Cooks; Apia, Samoa

Following a fast 600 mile broad reach from Rarotonga, we look forward to landfall at Niue, the world's smallest and friendliest island nation. We'll enjoy a couple days of swimming with humpback whales (if we're lucky), snorkeling (optional scuba) and cycling before sailing 250 miles to explore Niuatoputapu, Tonga. Our final passage is
350 miles NE to Apia. Leg 4 provides heavy weather experience in reinforced trades reaching 35-45 knots and intense coral piloting and anchoring practice.

Total distance: 1,300 miles

July 9-July 24 2013
2 Weeks $5,000
6 berths available

Apia, Samoa; Wallis & Futuna; Savusavu, Lautoka, Fiji

Apia, Samoa; Wallis & Futuna; Lautoka, Fiji Great sailing conditions including a bit of heavy weather plus stunning islands and
three distinctly different island cultures make this expedition a perfect overview of ocean cruising. The most challenging navigation of the year is the 260 mile passage
from isolated Futuna Island through the dangerous Nanuka Passage to clear customs in Savusavu, Fiji. For the first time ever, we will sail over the poorly-charted northern coast of Viti Levu to Lautoka, just north of Nadi Int'l Airport. Occasional strong squally weather in the South Pacific Convergence Zone, poorly charted waters, strong currents and numerous reefs provide maximum learning potential.

Total distance: 900 miles.

Aug. 1-15 2013
2 Weeks $5,000
6 berths available

Lautoka, Fiji; Tanna, Port Vila, Vanuatu

Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2013
10 days
$4000
6 berths available

Port Vila, Vanuatu; Loyalty Islands, Noumea, New Caledonia

Exhilarating sailing, difficult navigation and coral piloting plus exotic islands highlight this leg. After a 220 mile passage we'll make landfall and explore the isolated Loyalty Islands. Then we may visit the spectacular Isle of Pines before tackling Havannah Pass to Noumea, "The Paris of the South Seas".

Total distance: 500 miles.

Sept. 16-24, 2013
8 days
$3000
6 berths available

Noumea, New Caledonia; Brisbane, Australia

Fast sailing and heavy weather challenges in an area of rapidly moving weather fronts, a difficult river bar crossing and a 40 mile long channel containing intense ship traffic provide an invaluable range of learning experiences.

Total distance: 1,000 miles.

Oct. 4-14, 2012
10 days
$4000
6 berths available

Brisbane, Australia; Opua, Auckland, New Zealand

If you're after a demanding ocean passage, warmer and shorter than Leg 1, here it is! This 1500 mile Tasman crossing is an area of volatile conditions so weather plotting and storm avoidance figure high on our teaching agenda. Upon leaving Brisbane we'll sail SSE to the northern edge of the Roaring Forties. Here we hope to catch the westerlies for an exhilarating sail across the Tasman to round New Zealand's treacherous Cape Reinga before sailing south to Opua. The coastal passages from Opua to Auckland provide some of the best sailing we've ever experienced!

Total distance: 1,800 miles

1-Nov. 18, 2012
17 days
$5000
6 berths available