Join us for a thrilling Trans-Tasman race from Sydney to Auckland. — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

Trans-Tasman Yacht Race: Sydney to auckland / 1,270nm / 7 - 22 Oct 2025

16 days / cat 1 yacht race / EVENT #2539 / awen: last 2 CREW positions available

Overview

For just the second time in decades we will see a fully crewed Category 1 yacht race from Australia to New Zealand. The race will start on Sydney Harbour and finish in the Auckland Harbour. This challenging race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts in the IRC and PHS divisions.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) are excited to announce their partnership for the 1,270nm Sydney to Auckland event.

With our skippers having sailed across the Tasman Sea more than 20 times (twice solo), we know from personal experience that this race will be one of the toughest and uniquest ocean races on the world offshore calendar in 2025. With nothing but open ocean from the bottom of Australia and New Zealand to Antartica; 1,000nm to the south, the ocean swell can build rapidly in height, with no land to stop it for more than 2,500nm until it hits the shores of the Pacific Islands.

There are many reasons why more people have climbed Mount Everest than have sailed across the Tasman Sea and the rapidly changing nature of the Tasman Sea's weather system is one of them.

We'll assemble in Sydney and commence 3-4 days of crew preparation, training drills and final checks. It promises to be a unique experience from the moment you land in Sydney to the time you sail into Auckland, the city of sails and current home of the Americas Cup.

Passage plan

The 1,270nm route from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand across the infamous Tasman Sea.

Event registration

  • Secure your place on this adventure with a 20-50% deposit / All prices in AUD

  • Current price release: Final Release

Pre-release - SOLD OUT

Early bird - sold out

SHARED CABIN: Final Release AUD$15,750 pp

Expedition Description

Sydney

Sydney, Australia's largest and most iconic city, is a prime destination for sailors, blending rich history with vibrant modernity. Founded in 1788 as a penal colony, Sydney has grown into a bustling metropolis known for its stunning harbour and world-famous landmarks. Sailing into Sydney Harbour offers unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most recognisable structures in the world. The harbour is dotted with secluded coves and pristine beaches, perfect for anchoring and exploring. The historic Rocks district, with its cobblestone streets and colonial-era pubs, provides a glimpse into the city’s past. For those looking to experience the natural beauty of Sydney, the nearby Manly and Bondi beaches offer excellent surfing and sunbathing opportunities. The city's diverse culinary scene, cultural festivals, and lively nightlife ensure that there's always something to do. Sydney's unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and urban sophistication makes it an essential stop for any sailing adventure.

Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a vibrant hub that offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland is renowned for its maritime heritage and the stunning Waitematā Harbour, which is always bustling with yachts and boats. The city's history dates back to its founding in 1840, and it has since grown into a diverse and cosmopolitan metropolis. Sailing into Auckland Harbour provides breathtaking views of the city skyline, dominated by the iconic Sky Tower. The waterfront areas, such as the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, are filled with trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, making them perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the local cuisine. Auckland is also a gateway to the beautiful Hauraki Gulf and its numerous islands, each offering unique experiences from wine tasting on Waiheke Island to exploring the volcanic landscapes of Rangitoto Island. With its dynamic mix of urban excitement, rich history, and natural beauty, Auckland is a must-visit destination for sailors exploring New Zealand.

Rolex Sydney Hobart

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

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.

Weather impact

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

Extra reading

Additional media

itinerary

You can fly directly into Sydney Airport on the 7th of October 2025. Our crew will officially assemble that evening and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the 8th of October we'll meet for breakfast and start our process of running through checks, training drills, allocating crew roles and completing final preparations. You’ll need arrange accomodation ashore from 7 - 11 October due to limited space onboard during final boat and race preparation in the days leading up to the start. We'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment. The start for this race is staggered so that the yachts arrive in Auckland close together. We anticipate a start on the 11th of October.

It’s a 7 - 10 day sail to Auckland depending on weather conditions and wind direction and arrival is expected on the 18th-20th of October. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of arrival into Auckland, but you will need to arrange accomodation ashore following arrival, especially if staying on in Auckland for any length of time.

When we arrive in Auckland at the RNZYS, we'll tie up at the marina, clear customs and the head to the RNZYS to join the post race festivities. You should plan to fly out of Auckland after midday on the 22nd of October. It’s expected most of our crew plan to stay on and enjoy a few days in Auckland at the end of the race, as its likely to be a celebration you will never forget.

  • Arrive at the vessel in Sydney by 4pm on 7/10/25

  • Crew welcome dinner on 7/10/25

  • Crew training and safety familiarisation 8-10/10/25

  • Race start Sydney 11/10/25

  • Arrive in Auckland 18-20/10/25

  • Crew farewell dinner following arrival

  • Depart Auckland on 22/10/25

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Sydney and in Auckland on day of arrival, accommodation onboard from the day of departure, 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.

A 3-day crew training program, valued at $1,495 is also included.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants other than official crew dinners, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. 

Eligibility

You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.

Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port prior to departure, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.

Prior to departure on a passage, you will need to book 4-nights’ accommodation ashore. You will stay onboard for the duration of the passage, while at sea and 1 night (optional) after arrival in port at the end of the passage.

We provide optional pre-departure accommodation, transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew, that you can purchase here. There are limited pre-booked packages available for each event, so please book early to secure a place.

Here are suggested accommodation options ashore, should you wish to arrange your own: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif &  HomeAway.

Previous qualifying event

A Trans-Tasman Race on an IMOCA Open 60 such as Awen, is a serious undertaking. To be eligible to join the race crew for this event, you will need to complete a regatta, Cat 2 ocean race or passage onboard Awen in the 12 months prior to the Trans-Tasman Race event. This will help you build your skills and confidence as crew on Awen and ensure that this event is the right next step for you. You can book your qualifying event at a later date, as long as its completed prior the Trans-Tasman Race.

Review sailing calendar for all events