Rae Lee is ready. Samoa is next.

The Rae Lee has officially reached a major milestone, with all final preparations now complete ahead of her Pacific voyage to Samoa.

Over the past weeks, the vessel has undergone essential upgrades and checks to ensure she is fully fit for purpose. This includes a full rewire, a comprehensive rigging inspection, and the installation of new fishing booms equipped with an array of 19 hooks for tuna trolling—setting her up as a capable and efficient fishing platform for Samoan waters.

Following these works, Rae Lee successfully completed a series of sea trials, giving both crew and captain valuable time to familiarise themselves with the vessel and refine onboard systems and processes. These voyages included runs from Nelson to Picton, Kaikōura, and Christchurch, along with exploratory missions around Banks Peninsula and day trips further afield.

With trials complete, Rae Lee now stands fully prepared for her next chapter.

The next leg will see her travel from Christchurch to Opua, where she will wait for a suitable weather window before making the crossing to Samoa.

This is more than just a voyage—it’s the beginning of a working platform that will support fishing operations, training, and wider community development goals.

Rae Lee is ready. Samoa is next.