Life on board Vixen Racing
Frequently Asked Questions
Vixen Racing offers a race-focused programme, not a charter. Cohorts are small, roles are real, and safety is trained and practised. We ask for a team-first mindset: low ego, high curiosity, and the willingness to help. Camaraderie forms quickly when everyone brings the right attitude.
What to expect aboard
Prerequisites & fitness
Experience requirements vary by block. Some events require prior Vixen miles; others suit experienced sailors; select intro blocks prioritise attitude and baseline fitness over deep experience. Offshore life is physical—moving, sleeping, and cooking underway all take effort—so arrive active and prepared.
Life onboard & watch systems
Expect simple, performance-first living: offshore bunks, freeze-dried meals, a basic head; privacy is limited. Typical watches are 4-on/4-off with a mid-watch changeover; off-watch time is used to rest/sleep, eat, hydrate, layer up, and prep so you’re ready to work at changeover.
Health and Wellbeing
Everyone Is responsible for their own health, any pre-existing health conditions must be declared in the enrolment forms. Additional medications need to be stored in the grab bags upon arrival and will be returned to you at the end of the passage. We can work around most health considerations if we have the confidential knowledge at the time of booking.
Before you step aboard
What’s included / not included
- Included onboard: inflatable PFD with integrated harness, Spinlock triple-clip tether, all meals/snacks/drinks.
- Not included: travel, shore accommodation, meals ashore, insurance, visas, and personal foul-weather gear—these are on you.
The essentials for every berth
Travel, insurance & logistics
Ocean schedules move with the weather. Plan conservatively: arrive a day or two early, book flexi return flights, and keep post-passage plans loose. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance (including trip cancellation).
Additional Information
No. We’re not a formal school; we sign your logbook and focus on capability and real sea time.
This will very much depends on the event: Advanced level Regatta Racing requires prior Vixen miles; High level Regatta Racing suits experienced sailors; the Offshore Sailing Academy is open to a strong attitude and good fitness levels. Ask us if you are unsure.
We encourage all of our crew members to have obtained their Advanced Sea Survival Certificate prior to sailing on Vixen Racing. Multiple organisations are offering this certificate in New Zealand and Australia, for example, boatingeducation.org.nz and revolutionise.com.au/marinesw. For our Academy programmes, this qualification may not be necessary for all crew as long as there is a majority with the qualification on the trip you have booked.
Yes. You can choose to pay a deposit of 50% upfront, with the balance due 10 days before the passage date. If you would like to take up this option we will send an invoice. Please email info@vixenracing.co.nz.
Usually 4-on/4-off with a rolling changeover after 2 hours; prep on off-watch so you’re ready at handover.
Arrive rested and hydrated; don’t change your diet at the last-minute; test seasick meds at home and bring them; baby wipes help if unwell. Talk to your GP.
Yes. Starlink via the boat phone supports basic WhatsApp; user pays per message.
We send a detailed list prior to your passage. You can review that list here or send us an email if you’re unsure.
No. Pricing reflects professionalism and safety. Unsold bunks may be used for sponsored places (emerging sailors/media).
Yes, many do. You’ll go ashore between events while we reset the boat. No multi-event discounts.
Yes. You can share a watch or split up—your call. We’ll support what suits your goals.
Bring your preferred disposables and wipes; showers are infrequent; we provide disposal bins. Be practical and respectful.
Primarily NZ and Australia (think ocean sailing course NZ and ocean racing Australia contexts). See the race and academy calendars for current routes and dates.
Before setting sail with Vixen Racing Limited, we strongly recommend that all crew members obtain comprehensive sailing travel insurance. Please see our FULL GUIDE on what you need to obtain.
