A wild 2,000-mile sailing journey from Coffs Harbour to Darwin. Encountering storms, breaking waves, reefs, squalls, equipment failures and a broken rib, I push north along Australia’s east coast. From Brisbane and the Whitsundays to Cairns, Cape York and the Torres Strait, every mile brings new challenges. Darwin marks the end of one chapter—and the beginning of an even bigger voyage toward Europe.
yacht life
Headwinds non-stop: Why this crossing is so dreaded. New Zealand to Australia
A 1,200-mile sailing voyage from New Zealand to Australia turns into a race against time. Cyclone warnings, headwinds, rough seas, broken gear, and failed weather reports test two sailors on the wild Tasman Sea. Plans change from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. After 17 exhausting days battling wind and waves, they finally reach Australia—tired, relieved, and victorious.