Meet the Crew

The rally offers the support and camaraderie of experienced yachtsmen but given the profiles of the TPR crew and their passion for sailing, a spirit of adventure will be a key component of the rally.

Graham Stephens

Graham is a third generation seaman. His grandfather invented the first eco-sounder. Graham and his father, both hydro graphic surveyors, mapped Port Phillip Bay. He is also a c oastal and celestial navigation instructor.

Back in the 70's/80's Graham Stephens pioneered many dive sites around Australia , including the notorious Port Phillip Heads. He was also one of the first to dive many of the old ship wreck sites along the Victoria 's ship wreck coast. He made several discoveries, including the wreck of the ‘ Fiji ' off Moonlight Heads and raised a number of artefacts for maritime museums including the anchor of the famous Lockard, now a feature exhibit at Warrnambool Maritime Museum.

In the 90's Graham ran many eco tours throughout the Pacific, gaining knowledge of the Pacific Oceans secluded and unique locations, its true hidden treasures.

Jake Van Oosterom 

Jake is a Marine Scientist. His fields of interest include tropical biology, marine ecology, plate tectonics, volcanic hotspots, and physical oceanography. Last year, Jake worked with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, recovering and replacing temperature loggers in the Coral Sea , used in sub-surface thermal currant mapping.

Jake was also involved in coral research on the Great Barrier Reef for the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and spent several months working with Reef Check and the Sightings Network, monitoring changes in the Reef.

He is currently completing his PhD, involving genetics research in Antarctica.

Jake will fly in to join the cruise for specific legs of the journey. One area of particular interest to Jake is the volcanically active area of the Vava'u group where the island ‘Latte,' emerged from the ocean depths in 2001. He is also keen to dive with large manta rays and hammerhead sharks in the Tuamotus.

David Howarth 

David joined us in January 2008 after returning from living in Europe for the past 7 years.

In England, David bought his first yacht, a Moody 33 MK1 1974 at the tender age of 27 and began cruising the waters of the English South Coast.

Along with his wife Elodie and son Oscar, spent two seasons cruising and living aboard taking in the waters of England , France , Italy , Corsica and Sardinia. This included crossing the entire length of France by the inland waterway system, covering around 3000nm.

Upon return to Australia David commenced racing with Audacious, a Sydney 38, from the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, and competes most weekends. This

year will culminate in the Sydney to Hobart race achieving one of David 's long term sailing goals.

Fearing a return to corporate life, David left his profession as a Corporate Treasurer of ten years, to pursue his passion for the marine industry in a professional capacity. For which he now finds himself as Head of Sales and Business Development for Yarra's Edge Yachts.

Bruce Crump - Logistics Expert

Bruce Crump has many years experience cruising New Zealand , USA and the Mediterranean, owning or operating many different craft, particularly motor yachts. He has over 20 years experience sourcing vessels of all descriptions worldwide, overseeing packing, loading, shipment, Customs and Quarantine.

His 30 years experience in importing has had him travelling the globe extensively. The knowledge he has accumulated, and the connections he has made make him an organisational expert for any overseas venture. He has a reputation for making the impossible possible. For example if you don't know what colour taxi to take at Hong Kong airport Bruce is only a phone call away.

Bruce Crump is our logistics expert and will provide regular weather reports and updates for the Trans Pacific Rally.