Cruising to New Zealand/Australia

[fungod]

Ahoy,

I have been actively sailing the SF Bay for 35 years along with charters and a handful of Baja Haha's. I am taking the steps to prepare myself for a 1.5 year journey across the Pacific safely. My plan is to purchase a 1995-2000 Beneteau or Jeanneau 42' or so for the cruise. I will turn 60 in 2018 and plan to depart down the California coast to Mexico. In March/April, I will depart for the Marqusees and then continue across the South Pacific. In September, I plan to head to NZ for 3 months. And then in January 2020, head up to Sydney and sell the boat and fly home. I have been hearing that these boats have a large demand in Sydney and it should not be too difficult to sell there. With this plan, do any of you see anything I might be missing or have not thought of? Some sailing friends will be joining me for the cruise. Thanks for your help and insights.

[richard_wb]

September is a bit early for heading to NZ...it's still winter there (think March in N. Hemisphere). Late Oct to early Nov is a more common time for moving from Tonga or Fiji to NZ.

[fungod]

I agree, Looks like I will need a 6 month visa for the south pacific. The 3 mos. won't be long enough. Thanks.

[StuM]

No such thing as a "visa for the South Pacific". Lot's of independent nations there which each have there own requirements.

[richard_wb]

You get three months in Fr. Polynesia by default. Then you can stop at Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Fiji if you still have time, each being separate countries with their own visa clocks.

[richard_wb]

Noonsite.com has all the country-specific visa info.

[rajcruiser]

It's a minor point but I believe that US boats do not have the 240volt shore power that is the Aus standard. This and other possible incompatibilities will mean a lower retail price than local offerings. I also think someone would need to pay the import tax on the boat if it stays in Aus. Maybe another ten percent lose to you. So if capital cost recovery is vital check those type of issues.