Southport to Middleton & Elizabeth Reefs to Lord Howe ISland to Sydney / 820nm / 29 nov - 9 Dec 2025
11 DAYS / cat 1 sailing Expedition / Event #2544 / Silver Fern: CREW positions available
Overview
This offshore passage is a 820nm expedition from Southport on the sunny Queensland Gold Coast, to Middleton and Elizabeth Reef’s, 300nm to the east, Lord Howe Island 100nm to the south and finally 420nm to Sydney; Australia’s home of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.
We’ll sail the coast of the notorious Middleton Reef and (weather permitting) stopover at Elizabeth Reef. These are two of the southern most platform reefs in the world and the 6nm long reefs rise up from the 4,000 metre deep Tasman Sea floor and are both visible at low tide. They have claimed more than 70 vessels in the past 100 years with some wrecks still visible on the reefs.
Longer than a Tasman Sea crossing, this is also a unique opportunity to stop at Lord Howe Island, meet the locals and take in some of the sights of life on an island less than 7nm in length. Lord Howe Island is surrounded by amazing sea life and steep Jurassic like cliff faces at the southern end. When we depart Lord Howe Island we'll head 15nm south east past Ball's Pyramid, a rock rising 551 metres out of the sea from the ocean floor, before we turn west for the final leg of our ocean passage to Sydney.
Passage plan
Event registration
Secure your place on this adventure with a 20-50% deposit / All prices in AUD
Current price release: Early Bird
Pre-release - SOLD OUT
SHARED CABIN: Early bird $6,250 pp
Final Release AUD$7,750 pp
Expedition Description
Southport
Nestled in the heart of Australia's Gold Coast, Southport is a vibrant destination renowned for its stunning waterways and rich maritime history. As a major hub during the late 19th century, Southport evolved from a modest timber and sugar town into a bustling seaside resort. Today, it serves as the gateway to the Gold Coast's famous canals and estuaries, making it a perfect stop for sailing yachts. The Southport Yacht Club is a prime spot for sailors to dock and explore the lively Broadwater Parklands and the glitzy Surfers Paradise nearby. With its mix of modern attractions and historical sites, Southport offers a blend of excitement and heritage, ensuring an unforgettable sailing experience.
Middleton Reef
Middleton Reef, located in the Coral Sea, is a pristine and remote atoll known for its stunning biodiversity and crystal-clear waters. Discovered in 1859 by Captain Henry Denham, the reef has since become a protected marine reserve, teeming with colourful coral formations and abundant marine life. As a sailor's paradise, Middleton Reef offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling and diving, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant underwater ecosystem. The reef's isolation ensures a tranquil and undisturbed setting, making it an ideal spot for adventurous sailors seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Elizabeth Reef
Just south of Middleton Reef lies Elizabeth Reef, another remote gem in the Coral Sea. This reef, part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, is famous for its unspoilt coral gardens and diverse marine species. Elizabeth Reef's untouched beauty and secluded location make it a must-visit for sailing enthusiasts looking to explore Australia's lesser-known maritime treasures. The reef's shallow lagoons and sandy cays provide perfect anchoring spots, allowing sailors to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, fishing, and simply soaking in the serene surroundings. Its rich marine life and clear waters create a unique and captivating experience for any visitor.
Lord Howe Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lord Howe Island is a small but spectacular destination situated in the Tasman Sea. Discovered by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball in 1788, the island boasts an extraordinary array of endemic flora and fauna, rugged volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches. Sailing around Lord Howe Island offers breathtaking views of its towering peaks, such as Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, and the opportunity to explore its crystal-clear lagoon. The island's unique ecosystem and conservation efforts make it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its secluded coves and anchorages provide an idyllic setting for a peaceful and scenic sailing journey.
Sydney
Sydney, Australia's largest and most iconic city, is a dream destination for sailors with its stunning harbour and vibrant cityscape. Founded in 1788, Sydney is steeped in history, from its origins as a British penal colony to its development into a bustling metropolis. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are two of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, and sailing into Sydney Harbour provides a unique perspective on these architectural marvels. The harbour itself is dotted with secluded coves and pristine beaches, perfect for anchoring and exploring. The historic Rocks district offers a glimpse into Sydney's past with its cobblestone streets and old pubs, while the city's numerous museums and galleries provide a rich cultural experience. Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo, and the Royal Botanic Garden are just a few of the attractions that make Sydney a vibrant and diverse destination. Sailing in Sydney offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL 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.
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
itinerary
You can fly directly into Gold Coast or Brisbane airport’s on the 29th of November 2025 and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the 30th of November we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and get you ready for departure including running through final checks and preparations and depart from the dock around midday. We will aim to arrive in Sydney by the 8th of December, so you should aim to depart out of Sydney Airport on the 9th of December.
Arrive at the vessel in the Gold Coast by 4pm on 29/11/25
Crew welcome dinner on 29/11/25
Crew training and safety familiarisation 30/11/25
Depart Southport around 12pm on 30/11/25
Arrive in Sydney by 6pm on 8/12/25
Crew farewell dinner on 8/12/25
Depart Sydney on 9/12/25
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. 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.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Southport, Lord Howe Island, Sydney and various stopover ports en-route, accommodation onboard, your crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
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