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.
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 10am. 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 sanitise 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!
Standard Terms and Conditions
Deposit
A 50% deposit is payable on confirmation of booking.
Balance Payment
Balance of booking to be paid in full 14 days prior to departure.
Cancellation
By Client:
We require a minimum of 30 days’ notice if the booking is to be cancelled in writing. If the booking is cancelled or amended within 14 days the full value of the charter will be payable. If a confirmed booking is cancelled more than 14 days before the charter a 50% cancellation fee will apply. If a confirmed booking is cancelled more than 30 days before a charter a 20% cancellation fee will apply.
By NZ Sailing Trust :
In the unlikely event we are forced to cancel the trip due to extreme weather or other circumstances, we will contact you to advise of any risk of cancellation/postponement.
If it is not possible for us to fulfil your charter on your charter date, we will: Contact you with an alternative vessel or look to reschedule for an alternative date. If an alternative date cannot be arranged, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Amendments to Confirmed Bookings
All changes are subject to availability.
Any date and changes to booking details within 7 days of charter may incur a cost.