Lyttelton, Christchurch — Canterbury's Offshore Sailing

Where New Zealand ends, the adventure begins.

The only offshore sailing operation in Canterbury. Maritime training, offshore charter, and expedition sailing from Lyttelton. The only sailing yacht undertaking regular expeditions into Fiordland National Park.

Southern Passages — Starting Soon

Maritime training for Canterbury

Offshore sailing courses in Christchurch classrooms and aboard our offshore sailing yacht from Lyttelton. Canterbury's only offshore sailing operation.

From a single-day VHF certificate to the internationally recognised Yachtmaster Offshore — everything you need to sail further, safer.

Register your interest

Canterbury Sailing

Within 12km of Christchurch

Our Offshore Sailing Yacht

Our training vessel

Internationally Recognised

Internationally recognised

Fiordland

The only sailing yacht undertaking regular expeditions into Fiordland National Park

Courses & Certifications

Offshore Courses Built for Serious Sailors

Certification

Competent Crew

Five days aboard our offshore sailing yacht from Lyttelton. Your first internationally recognised offshore sailing qualification.

Enquire

coming 2026/27

5 DaysEnquire
Certification

Day Skipper

Navigation, chartwork, passage planning, and boat handling. Practical and preparation combined.

Enquire

coming 2026/27

Practical + PrepEnquire
Top QualificationCertification

Yachtmaster Offshore

The highest recreational sailing qualification in the world. Preparation and independent exam.

Enquire

coming 2026/27

Preparation + ExamEnquire

Southern Passages Expeditions

14 fiords. Most people see one.

Skippered charter and expedition sailing throughout the South Island and Pacific. The only sailing yacht operating in Fiordland National Park.

Fiordland expedition sailing aboard our offshore sailing yacht — Signature Voyage
Signature Voyage

7-Day Expedition

Fiordland Expedition

Milford Sound, Doubtful, Dusky Sound. Remote anchorages no motor vessel reaches. The only sailing yacht operating in Fiordland National Park.

Departure

Lyttelton

Duration

7 Days

Vessel

our offshore sailing yacht

From

$3,667 per person

View All Expeditions
Akaroa Day Sails

Akaroa Day Sails

Full Day

Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton. Dolphins, sea caves, and the most dramatic harbour in Canterbury.

from $220 per person

Enquire
Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds

5 Days

Remote bays, fresh seafood, and world-class sailing through the sounds.

from $2,000 per person

Enquire
Tonga Whale Season

Tonga Whale Season

July – October

Humpback whale encounters in the Pacific. Full boat charter available.

from $12,000 per week

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Offshore Passage Berths

Offshore Passage Berths

Varies

Log qualifying sea miles on coastal and Pacific passages.

from $3,500 per berth

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Corporate Sailing Days

Corporate Sailing Days

Full Day

Full day team events aboard our offshore sailing yacht in Lyttelton Harbour. Up to 10 guests.

from $4,000 per day

Enquire

Coming 2028

The Southern Passages Race

Lyttelton to 52° South.

Be part of the inaugural race.

Ready to go
offshore?

Whether you're stepping up to your first offshore certification or looking for a berth on a Fiordland expedition, we'll help you find the right next step. Our team responds within 24 hours.

Stay Informed

Register your interest

Courses, expeditions, and the 2028 race. Be first to know when dates open.