Sydney Gold Coast Race / 384nm / 23 - 30 Jul 2025
7 days / cat 2 yacht race / EVENT #2524 / merit: crew positions available
The Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race is one of Australia’s premier offshore sailing events, offering competitors an exhilarating 384-nautical-mile journey along the stunning New South Wales and Queensland coastlines. In 2025, this highly anticipated race will once again challenge sailors to showcase their skills, endurance, and tactical prowess as they navigate changing weather conditions and strategic obstacles on the way to the Gold Coast.
Starting from the iconic Sydney Harbour, under the spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the race heads north, presenting a mix of breathtaking scenery and complex challenges. Sailors will contend with the forces of the Tasman Sea, riding fast offshore breezes and confronting shifting wind patterns, currents, and the possibility of big swells along the New South Wales coast. The race demands precision in sail-handling, smart navigation, and teamwork as crews vie for position in the competitive fleet.
Merit leads the fleet under sail at Hamilton Island Race Week
Merit in action on the wind
As yachts make their way past famous landmarks like Cape Byron and Point Danger, competitors experience the thrill of offshore racing combined with the camaraderie of a shared journey toward the finish line. The arrival at Southport on the Gold Coast is a rewarding conclusion, with a vibrant atmosphere celebrating the event and providing a welcome respite after days of hard-fought racing.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an ambitious amateur sailor, the 2025 Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race promises high-intensity action, memorable experiences, and the chance to compete alongside some of the best in the sport. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of one of Australia’s most exciting ocean racing events, set against the spectacular natural beauty of Australia’s east coast.
FIRST MATE'S DEAL - BOOK NOW
SHARED CABIN $3,750 (PER BERTH)
7 DAYS
SEA MASTER’S SAVER $4,250 - TO RELEASE
CAPTAINS CHOICE $4,750 - TO RELEASE
ADMIRAL’S ADVANTAGE $5,250 - TO RELEASE
Prices are in $AUD
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Additional media
Check out photo gallery highlights from a previous race.
itinerary
You can fly directly into Sydney Airport on the 23rd of July to arrive at the yacht at the CYCA in Rushcutters Bay by 4pm. Our crew will gather for a welcome dinner and then start a 2 day vessel training and safety familiarisation program the following day. The race starts on Sydney Harbour on the 26th of July with a 2 - 3 day race up the coast expected. You are welcome to stay onboard for the 3 nights before departure, but the vessel is a race yacht, with minimal home comforts, so staying in accommodation nearby is recommended.
When we arrive in Southport, we’ll head to the Southport Yacht Club for post race celebrations and the prize giving presentation. You should plan to depart Gold Coast or Brisbane Airports late on the 29th or on the 30th of July, although departure earlier is possible depending on wind direction and race time.
Arrive at Sydney Airport 23/7/25
Arrive at the vessel at CYCA by 4pm on 23/7/25
Crew training and safety familiarisation 24-25/7/25
Race 26/7/25 - 29/7/25
Depart Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport 30/7/25 onwards
HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.
Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Sydney and in Southport on day of arrival, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, an Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew jacket, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
A 2-day pre-race, training program including meals onboard, valued at $995 is also included.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.
You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
