Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
advertise
Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
HomeBookBook ReviewVOYAGE OF THE GOLDEN LOTUS

VOYAGE OF THE GOLDEN LOTUS

This book pays tribute to the tenacity and sailing skills of four young New Zealanders who sailed an epic voyage in their Chinese junk Golden Lotus in 1962.

On their 8,500-mile journey from Hong Kong to New Zealand they confronted violent storms in the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Tasman Sea. They challenged poisonous and powerful Komodo dragons on an uninhabited Indonesian island, and encountered numerous navigational hazards along Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Brian Clifford – master navigator at age 23, orchestrated every aspect of this classic adventure. Skillful celestial navigation, adventurous spirits and the raw energy of a youth crew – combined with total self-reliance – won the day.

- Advertisement, article continues below -
Tauranga Boat Sales
Caribbean 420 Express (2015)
Caribbean 420 Express (2015)
775000
2015 | 14.36 m | 2015 Caribbean 420 Express — 14.36m GRP sportsfisher cruiser, twin 500hp Cummins QSC diesels, 775hrs, 2-cabin, teak cockpit, bow thruster, full electronics. Exceptional condition. Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. NZD $775,000.

The book was first printed in 1962 (with a reprint a year later). In this new, revised edition, Brian’s brother Graham Clifford invites you to come aboard for the journey – bring your sextant with you!

To buy a copy of the book email: tidelinetales@xtra.co.nz

Share this
Awanui NZ in The Dardenelles // Photo credit: Awanui NZ
Cruising

Should have been called Supertramp

The Nordhavn 5101 could well have taken the famous band’s name simply because Mark and Fiona Rammell have elected to, Take th...
Read more
Cathy and Eric Gray in 2025 // Photo credit: John Macfarlane
Cruising

True voyagers: the Eric and Cathy Gray story

While world circumnavigations are seemingly routine these days, the challenge of obtaining a suitable yacht and funding a voy...
Read more
Hiking Whangamumu track with the view of Whangamumu harbour, Russell, Bay of Island // Photo credit: Janice Chen
Cruising

Only by boat: Whangamumu Whaling Station

Whangamumu is one of Northland’s best hidden anchorages, with a narrow entrance, solid holding, and plenty to explore ashore....
Read more

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

Boating New Zealand
Boating New Zealandhttps://www.boatingnz.co.nz
Boating NZ is New Zealand’s premier marine title devoted to putting its readers behind the wheel of the latest trailerboats, yachts and launches to hit the market. It inspires with practical content and cruising adventures, leads the fleet with its racing coverage and is on the pulse of the latest maritime news and innovation.

Recent articles