Let’s throw the lines and leave the city buzz behind. Embark on a zero-carbon, sustainable, and unique travel experience. Stay in a tranquil bay for the night and let the gentle lapping of the water lull you to sleep. Where will the winds blow us on our nautical journey? Climb on-board and set sail on these magnificent vessels as we leave the city skyline behind.

Day One

At 10 AM,  our vessel will set sail. Enjoy a light snack (please have lunch prior to departure) as we leave the Viaduct waving back at the city skyline to embark on this unique experience.

Hoist the mainsail and unfurl the jib then feel the power of these ocean racing yachts as the sails fill and we pick up speed. Hold on to your hats and watch your footing, this is going to be a ride you’ll never forget.

Sail to our evening destination at one of the Hauraki Gulf’s beautiful and less frequented “Treasure Islands” – Motuihe, Motutapu, or Rakino Island. By late afternoon the vessel will be tucked up at anchor and you can go ashore to explore the island and stretch your legs. There is some fantastic history to be soaked up on these special islands.

The charismatic crew are not only experts at sailing and will cook you a tasty meal in the evening, followed by a screening of the wonderful and moving documentary “Blakey” – popcorn anyone?

Day Two

Rise in the morning with the sun and to the smell of fresh coffee being made.

Challenge yourself with a morning swim if you dare! After a warm breakfast, freshen up and make preparations for ‘Huey the wind god’ to get us home safely. As a bonus, you may get to see marine mammals in their natural environment.

Disembarking at Auckland Viaduct about 2 PM.

Highlights

· Sailing onboard iconic sailing vessels significant to NZ sailing history

· Island Exploration on one of Hauraki Gulfs treasured islands

· Conservation focus

· Ocean swimming

Whether you have sailed the world or have yet to experience the thrill of adrenaline that comes from being at the helm of such magnificent vessels, this experience will leave you feeling like a captain of the seas.

You don’t have to be a sailor to get on-board Lion NZ or Steinlager 2, an acceptable level of fitness is the only requirement suggested. Elements of physicality during this trip involve being able to climb in and out of a tender (small boat used to transfer you from yacht to shore) and the ability to climb a ladder in order to get in and out of the tender or from the water swimming.

This experience is suitable for children from 13 years and above, families, groups, couples, corporate teams, and any configuration of interested individuals looking for an experience of the sea, salt, fun, camaraderie, and the natural wonders of our maritime environment and private islands.

Included

· Experienced crew with the highest levels of health and safety

· Onboard accommodation (single bunks, bedding required)

· Meals included

· Inflatable Tender

· Kayaks

All food and drink will be provided on your trip including breakfast, lunches, and dinner. Menu is dependent on the season.

On-board single bunk accommodation is provided. Simply bring your preferred type of bedding, favourite pillow, and enjoy a gentle sleep far away from the city bustle.

Your experienced crew will ensure smooth sailing as they anchor you in the best-secluded spots the Hauraki Gulf has to offer. Enjoy a refreshing ocean swim or explore the gulf in one of our two on-board kayaks.

As your safety on this trip is paramount, both Lion NZ and Steinlager 2 boats will store inflatable tenders on-board alongside life jackets for each and every passenger and member of the crew.

$650 NZD per person fully inclusive of overnight accommodation, food, safety equipment.

Child pricing, 13-17 years inclusive is 10% off the adult pricing. Please note that 15% family discount will be applied to a family of four or more. Please note all youth under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.

Departure dates for the overnight adventure expeditions normally leave the viaduct on a Friday afternoon at 1pm or a Saturday at the same time, making it a perfect weekender experience. Please complete the inquiry form further down the page and we will send you the expedition dates and availability.

Our Yacht – NZ Lion

Sir Peter Blake had a very specific idea of the boat that he wanted to build for the 1985/86 Whitbread Around the World Race.

After discussions with a number of top New Zealand yacht designers, the design was awarded to New Zealander Ron Holland, based in Ireland.

The boat had to have the following criteria: 31 tons of actual displacement weight (light but stiff)
It needed to excel to windward
It had to be very fast when reaching under two sails
It had to be fully controllable downwind with a spinnaker up
It had to be a masthead rig.

The result was one of the finest International Ocean Racing (I.O.R). maxi sloops ever built.
Construction of Lion NZ began in 1983, with a launch date set for November 1984. This was to coincide with the Sydney to Hobart Race beginning on Boxing Day – her first real test. Unfortunately, on completion Lion NZ came in 8 tons heavier than the original design draft, and to make matters worse all the weight was in the wrong places, her hull, and fittings.

It became apparent that the extra weight was going to slow the boat down in lighter conditions. Lion’s first race – the 1984 Sydney to Hobart Race – was a true test. After 3 days, 11 hours, 31 minutes, 21 seconds Lion NZ crossed the finish Lion in First Place.

She had proven her strength and gained the nickname, “The Urban Assault Vehicle.”

Our Yacht – Steinlager 2

Due to racecourse changes for the 1989/90 Whitbread, a different kind of yacht was called for and again Sir Peter Blake drew from his experience and knowledge of sailing to create Steinlager2.

The crew was chosen not only for their excellence in sailing but between them had all the skills and expertise to contribute valuable knowledge and input to the design of this yacht. Such was their skills that they were able to repair and maintain absolutely everything on board while at sea.

Much of the design for Steinlager2 was based around the 60ft trimaran Steinlager 1.
Steinlager1 was built using materials and techniques that were new to boat building and the
the construction method was tested when Sir Peter Blake and Mike Quilter sailed the boat around Australia.

Blake commissioned the US-based New Zealand Yacht Designer, Bruce Farr to design Steinlager2. The base design was the same as four other boats entering the Whitbread.

Once the basic design was done, Blake came forward with the changes that the team would require for their boat.

The yacht was to be as long as possible while still complying with the rules (the longer the boat the faster it will go).
The yacht must be easily steered and track well when fully under load.
The yacht must be a ketch rig.

The Farr office delivered a design that looked very similar to Grant Dalton’s entry and Blake was not happy. Last-minute changes called for a fractional rig set up. Meaning in order to balance out the loads the boat would be longer and therefore faster.

The Steinlager2 team went to great lengths to hide the design of the boat from the other syndicates until it was too late for any of them to make any further changes. The famous Fastnet Race in England was to be the testing grounds for this new design and the first time the boat would be up against most of the other Whitbread fleet.

Steinlager2 proved very fast downwind and the yacht proved very fast – this was to be the first of many wins for Steinlager2 and her crew – but this was the most satisfying win of all as it proved that what they had designed was right. 1989/90 WHITBREAD AROUND THE WORLD RACE Steinlager2 and her amazing sailors went on to win an unprecedented full sweep of all six legs of the race. Never had this been done before. Not only winning on their handicap but
winning overall honors as well.

Empowering Young People, and Now You.

Since 2008, the NZ Sailing Trust has empowered young New Zealanders by providing a truly special sailing experience that encourages leadership, teamwork, and environmental awareness that enriches them with a newfound sense of courage. Over 9,000 youth have been proudly supported by the NZ Sailing Trust. They have learned to appreciate the knowledge needed to drive these yachts around the world and have challenged them with respect and admiration for their sailors and the sea. Participants understand their identity, respect for their peers, their unique strengths, and a sense of challenge that transcends challenge. These programs are designed to harness the talents and capabilities of each individual as they themselves grow to become leaders in their own lives.

Climb on-board one of our dream yachts. These magnificent vessels have founded the careers of many successful Kiwi Sailors who overcame adversity, skepticism, and fear to win the hearts not only of New Zealand but of the world. It is essential to our cultural fabric and New Zealand’s nautical history that these yachts are retained and used to help inspire the next generation of young people in New Zealand. We invite you to experience the magic of sailing as we work to continue the legacy left behind by our beloved sailing greats and their contribution to the national pride of our country and to the continuation of sailing as sport and passion for many in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum/Maximum numbers on board

Q. What are the minimum numbers on board the boat?

A. Minimum numbers for each departure is 14 passengers. If we don’t reach minimum numbers we will notify
you and offer you a transfer or a full refund. Once minimum numbers are reached this will be a guaranteed
departure.

Q. What are the maximum numbers on board the boat?

A. Maximum numbers for each departure is 20 passengers. This is less than stated on the vessel survey. We
have kept passenger comfort in mind for these sailing journeys.

Insurance

Q. Do I need travel insurance?

A. New Zealand citizens and residents are covered under ACC. For all other passengers, this will be your own
responsibility and you will have to make your own arrangements at your expense. If you choose to take travel
insurance, please check if you are covered for this journey.

Transfers to the boat

Q. Is there a pick up/drop off service available to/from the boats?

A. This is not a service provided by the NZ Sailing Trust. If you have any issues, please contact us.

Cost

Q. How much do these sailing journeys cost?

A. Overnight (2 day 1 night) $650 per person inclusive GST

3 day journey (3 day 2 night) $990 per person inclusive GST

Youth 13-17 years of age 10% discount or 15 % discount for families of four or more. Youth younger than 15
must be accompanied by an adult.

$100 introductory offer until the end of July.

Booking Process

Q. What is the booking process?

A. Confirm availability with NZ Sailing Trust or your agent. A booking form will need to be completed and full
payment will be required at time of booking. Once full payment is received and the booking is confirmed, you
will receive joining details and a recommended list of items to take with you on board.

Joining details

Q. Where do the boats leave from?

A. Lion New Zealand and Steinlager 2 are berthed/parked at Auckland Viaduct Marina. More detail will be
provided on prior to departure.

Q. What is check-in time?

A.The departure time for the overnight and 3-day journey will be 10 am. There will be a pre-boarding briefing and
a safety briefing prior to departure.

COVID-19

Q. I am worried about COVID-19

A. We will operate, within the guidelines as published by the Government and the Ministry of Health for each Level. Rest assured, the New Zealand Sailing Trust will take every precaution to regularly sanitize all points of contact on the boat and maintain a rigorous cleaning routine. We have a full COVID-19 procedures manual and a COVID-19 response plan. We have the ability to contact trace our crew and our participants should something
develop post journey.

Weather conditions

Q. What if the weather is bad?

A. Weather conditions can change. The skipper and crew will monitor the weather conditions closely. They
will select each destination according to the conditions and this may differ slightly from the advertised
schedule. We still sail if it is raining, in fact, this can add to the experience in many cases. The New Zealand
Sailing Trust have good quality, full wet weather trousers, and jackets available for all participants to use whilst on board. We suggest to bring lots of layered clothing and a waterproof jacket. The New Zealand Sailing Trust will postpone any journey if the conditions are deemed to be unsafe. This rarely happens.

Seasickness

Q. What if I become seasick?

A. Lion NZ and Steinlager 2 are large, stable yachts and the Hauraki Gulf is generally well protected from the
worst weather but occasionally someone might feel unwell in certain conditions. Our crew always have the
comfort of passengers in mind and are well trained on how to manage people that suffer from seasickness. They have the knowledge to recommend seasickness tablets when appropriate and have other means to comfort participants until reaching that nice calm anchorage.

Safety equipment

Q. Do we need to wear life jackets?

A. All participants will be required to wear life jackets as a minimum requirement whilst under sail and
when going ashore by tender. The New Zealand Sailing Trust will provide these to everyone on board.

On board amenities

Q. Are their toilet and showers on board?

A. There are at least two toilets on board each boat. There are no showers. A refreshing swim always does the
trick!

Sailing Experience

Q. Do I need to have sailing experience?

A. You are not required to have any sailing experience. Just a good attitude to be involved and make the most of
the experience.

Fitness

Q. I am unsure of my level of fitness for this experience?

A. You don’t have to be a sailor to join us on Lion NZ or Steinlager 2 but a moderate level of fitness and
agility is recommended as you will need to navigate ladder style steps in and out of the yacht and climb a
small ladder when getting in and out of a tender (small boat used to transfer you from yacht to shore) or
from the water when swimming.

What to bring

Q. What shall I bring on the boat?
A. On confirmation of the tour, we will send you a list of items you should bring. All items should be in a soft roll
bag that can fit under your bunk. Warm layers of clothing, change of clothes, basic toiletries, togs and towel, hat, and sunglasses.

There is limited power available on board for charging a phone but any larger electrical items should be left at
home. Please ensure anything that requires power is fully charged before boarding.

Storage on board

Q. Is there storage on the boats?

A. There is very little personal storage space on board the boats. We suggest a small soft sports bag for your
personal items plus a sleeping bag and possibly a pillow.

Phones and cameras

Q. Can I bring a camera/phone on board?

A. Yes of course. You must do so at your own risk and all personal items are the responsibility of the individual.
We cannot guarantee they will stay dry if you have them up on the deck whilst sailing. Consider a wrist strap and
or waterproof protection if you decide to take personal items such as cameras or phones.

Qualified Crew

Q. Are the crew qualified?

A. The minimum crew requirements to safely operate our vessels is with one skipper and 2 crew. On most
occasions, we also take at least one of our trained volunteers. Our experienced skippers are fully qualified
with a minimum of SRL (Skipper Restricted Limits) or equivalent in accordance with NZ Maritime Law, and our crew are all well trained and experienced sailors. You are in good hands!