sydney to gold coast / 380 nm / 25 - 30 jan 2025
5 days / cat 2 coastal passage / EVENT #2555 / Awen: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The Sydney to Gold Coast Passage is an exhilarating 384-nautical-mile journey along the stunning New South Wales and Queensland coastlines. Starting from the iconic Sydney Harbour, under the spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the passage takes us 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 passage demands precision in sail-handling, smart navigation, and teamwork in the ever changing weather.
We’ll make our way past famous landmarks like Cape Byron and Point Danger, with an arrival into Southport on the Gold Coast, as our rewarding conclusion to the passage. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice, the Sydney to Gold Coast passage promises high-intensity action, memorable experiences, and the chance to see the spectacular natural beauty of Australia’s east coast.
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 $2,750 pp
Final Release $3,750 pp
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 passage.
itinerary
You'll fly into Sydney on the 25th of January 2025. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure. On the 26th of January we'll do crew training and we expect to depart Sydney on the 27th. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 25th & 26th of January, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 25th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. You are also welcome to stay ashore at night prior to departure.
We’ll aim to be tied up in the Gold Coast by 3pm on the 29th of January for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart the Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport from the 29th of January onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Sydney by 12pm on 25/1/25
Crew welcome dinner on 25/1/25
Crew training and safety familiarisation 25-26/1/25
Depart Sydney Marina around 10am on 27/1/25
Arrive in Gold Coast by 3pm on 29/1/25
Crew farewell dinner on 29/1/25
Depart Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport on 30/1/25
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.
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.
