Ocean Sailing Expeditions takes everyday people on sailing expeditions, ocean passages and races
Today is a sad day with the announcement of the closure of Ocean Sailing Expeditions after 6 years and 2 million customer miles. David Hows shares the details in this brief update. If you are a creditor or customer, you will be contacted early next week. Please do not ask questions here as we are unable to respond to them.
25/02/2026
We’re ready to go on Awen for the Trans-Tasman Race, but the fleet have abandoned us. We were so excited to do the Trans-Tasman race from Sydney to Auckland, but the fleet has fallen from 15 entrants to just Awen over the past few weeks. Despite the race reschedule, we’re departing tomorrow and racing the clock instead, to see if we can sail 1,400nm and get to NZ in under 6 days. With an upwind forecast and glassy conditions at the end of the passage, it’ll be a challenge, but our race crew of 8 are up for it.
25/02/2026
Silver Fern departed New Zealand on 23rd of February and is bound for Sydney. After 5 years and 80,000nm we replaced the Evolution mainsail, with a new Evolution mainsail. Rodney and the team always to the extra mile, to get new sails to our yachts on time. I’ve worked with Evolution Sails for 12 years now and we’ve won some races and regattas, older yachts don’t normally win. Great sails are a big part of the equation and after spending $320,00 on new sales in the last 12 years, I appreciate the impact they make.
22/02/2026
It’s been a big 20 days with Awen fitting a new forestay courtesy of Rope Solutions and jib, thanks to GC Sails, Silver Fern undergoing upgrades, fabrication, new prop shaft bearings and new paint at Oceania Marine in Whangarei and the renovations to Sea Breeze III progressing on track in Fiji. Next stop Sydney - for the Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race.
Looking for a Fijian cruise for a small group - far from the tourist trail? 🌴⛵
We specialise in crafting intimate, off the beaten path journeys through the breathtaking islands of Fiji. Think secluded anchorages, untouched reefs, authentic village visits, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
Visit https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/fiji-sailing-events for more information.
18/02/2026
Our Australian Expedition is just around the corner and we’ve got limited spots remaining 🇦🇺⛵️. Swipe to see why we love exploring this corner of the world.
Visit https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/australian-sailing... to secure a spot today ☀️🌴✨
Dreaming of sailing Australia’s Coastline? 🇦🇺⛵️
Our Australian Expedition starts from next month and we’ve got limited spots remaining.
Visit https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/australian-sailing-events to secure a spot today ☀️🌴✨
15/02/2026
A huge thank you to Warren Brown for skippering and hosting our first Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Cruise on his catamaran: Cruczar. From the reviews and hundreds of photos shared by our customers onboard, everyone had a great week. Watch out for new events to be released, in the NZ summer calendar for 2027. Just amazing value at $2,950 for a week in the Gulf.
Waitlists are growing for our 2026 Fiji events, so we’ve released the full 2027 calendar with 14 events.
🌴For the next 72 hours, book your 2027 voyage aboard Sea Breeze III or Te Kaihōpara and receive an additional 20% off with our first-ever Fiji season launch offer.
⛵️One week trips from $3,120pp (after discount), including meals, drinks and all activities. You simply arrange travel to and from the yacht.
Offer closes 5pm Tuesday 17 February 2026. Use promo code SB27.
https://oceansailingexpeditions.com/fiji-2027-launch?mc_cid=7d20c404bc
13/02/2026
Dreaming of your next island getaway? 🌊⛵️
Swipe to see why the Bay of Islands is one of our favourite places to explore. Think turquoise anchorages, hidden coves, island hikes, snorkelling, no rush kind of bliss, topped off with chef prepared meals on board.
Full itinerary + dates here: https://oceansailingexpeditions.wetravel.com/i/68ddd14c66c5a7dcfb60585b
David catches up with crew member Martin, day after arrival into Whangarei on Silver Fern for a debrief on the 5-6m waves and 40 knots, encountered on approach to the entrance to the Whangarei channel, after rounding Bream Head. Silver Fern clocked 18.9 knots, surfing her way to the entrance.
After an epically beautiful 9 day Tasman Crossing, we’ve had the pleasure of 30-40 knots on the nose coming down the northland coast of New Zealand. Silver Fern’s 32 tons handles it well, as long as you have the right sails up for the job.