Set sail on an extraordinary voyage across the South Pacific, journeying from Port Vila, Vanuatu, to Southport, Queensland, with a stop in Nouméa, New Caledonia. This offshore adventure blends bluewater sailing, cultural exploration, and breathtaking ocean scenery, offering a true passage-making experience.
Departing from Port Vila, we sail westward across the open Pacific, where flying fish, dolphins, and soaring seabirdsbecome familiar companions. Our first stop is Nouméa, a vibrant city where French influence, bustling markets, and stunning coral lagoons provide a perfect mix of culture and natural beauty.
Leaving Nouméa behind, we embark on a multi-day Coral Sea crossing, experiencing the magic of offshore sailing. Days are spent trimming sails, navigating ocean swells, and embracing the freedom of the open sea, while nights bring spectacular star-filled skies and glowing bioluminescence in our wake.
As Australia’s Gold Coast skyline emerges on the horizon, we make our final approach to Southport Yacht Club, where warm hospitality and a celebratory atmosphere await. Whether you're seeking an ocean passage challenge or a peaceful escape at sea, this journey offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, discovery, and true sailing spirit.
Sail across the Coral Sea on a 1,000nm offshore passage
Experience the exhilaration of bluewater sailing as you cross from Vanuatu to Australia via New Caledonia, navigating trade winds, ocean swells, and tropical skies.
Explore vibrant Nouméa, New Caledonia
Enjoy a cultural stopover in Nouméa, where French flair meets Pacific island charm. Wander through local markets, swim in coral lagoons, and soak in this lively capital’s unique blend of cultures.
Embrace true ocean passage-making
Trim sails, stand watch, and navigate by stars as you settle into the rhythm of life offshore. Expect vivid sunrises, flying fish, and nights aglow with bioluminescence beneath a canopy of stars.
Witness stunning marine life and open-ocean beauty
Watch for dolphins, seabirds, and the occasional whale, and take in uninterrupted views of the Pacific horizon—an ever-changing backdrop for days at sea.
Arrive into the Gold Coast’s welcoming yachting hub
Sail into Southport Yacht Club, where Australia’s famous Gold Coast skyline offers a striking contrast to your remote ocean journey, marking a satisfying end to an unforgettable expedition.
Bluewater passage aboard Silver Fern
Join the crew aboard Silver Fern, our purpose-built expedition yacht designed for comfort, safety, and performance on long offshore routes. Her rugged build and welcoming layout make her the perfect platform for this South Pacific crossing.
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls. View gallery
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination. View gallery
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s. View gallery
Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication. View gallery
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures. View gallery
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard. View gallery
Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan. View gallery
Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather). View gallery
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. View gallery
Step aboard Silverfern, a sleek and spacious sailing yacht crafted for comfort, camaraderie, and coastal exploration. Whether you're navigating hidden bays, sharing stories over dinner on deck, or trimming sails on an offshore leg, Silverfern offers the ideal balance of relaxation and hands-on adventure. With warm hospitality, inviting living spaces, and a spirit of discovery at its core, every journey on Silverfern feels like coming home—only at sea.
You can fly directly into Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, Vanuatu to join the yacht at the Yachting World Marina.
When we arrive in Southport, you can plan to fly out of Brisbane or Gold Coast Airports.
15 Oct 2027
Arrive at the vessel in Port Vila by 3pm
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
16 - 17 Oct 2027
Clear Customs
Depart Port Vila by midday and head for Noumea
18 - 20 Oct 2027
Arrive in the port of Noumea, clear customs and bio-security and spend 48 hours exploring the local area.
21 Oct - 26 Oct 2025
Sailing from Noumea to Southport
26 Oct 2025
Arrive in Southport by midday
Clear Customs and Bio-security
Final Crew Dinner and stay onboard
27 Oct 2025
Depart from Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport after 3pm (to allow for bio-security delay).
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, 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; meals and accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Eligibility
You will need to complete a 5-hour online or 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Accommodation
If you plan to fly in a day earlier, or stay onboard the night after we return to port, an extra night's accommodation is available onboard, prior to departure and/or after arrival as an add-on, for $100 per person, per night. This can be purchased through your We Travel account during the booking process or prior to departure.
Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
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.