Trans Tasman passage

[Seerauber]

I am looking at voyaging in Seerauber (Roberts Tom Thumb 24) Sydney/Eden then Eden/Nelson (NZ) in December this year and returning Nelson/Sydney a few weeks later.

Any thoughts/comments to do with such a passage would be much appreciated.

Tony

[Mike Banks]

Although you are going to sail in the cyclone season--they seldom get as low down as your intended route. Even so--you will be at sea for about two weeks--maybe a bit more or less depending on the winds, but in a vessel your size you will be both cramped and uncomfortable. One of the problems on very small boats is the need to carry some safety equipment, spares, drogues etc and adequate food and water. The Tasman sea is not a place to be taken lightly. I would not myself be trying it in anything less than thirty feet--but that is me. If your vessel is seaworthy enough--and you have a cast iron constitution, size may not be so important.

[Seerauber]

Mike,

Many thanks for taking the time to write in. Seerauber is built like the proverbial (a description of her is on Tony Fountain - The Rainbow Chaser - Seerauber) and whilst that may be the case - her original owner,a Kiwi, built her to sail to Antarctica (hence her yellow colour which,I must admit, I have grown to like)- your words of "The Tasman Sea is not a place to be taken lightly" are very true and certainly forefront in my mind.
I am hoping that others will also venture forth their opinions and comment on gear, safety equipment etc etc.
Thanks again
Tony