gold coast to sydney / 420 nm / 26 oct - 2 nov 2024
7 days / cat 2 coastal passage / EVENT #2447 / MAGIC MILES: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Overview
Set sail on a remarkable 7-day adventure, departing from Southport and heading south to finish at the iconic Sydney Harbour. Your journey begins in Southport, where the friendly community and expansive coastline set the stage for an unforgettable expedition.
Broughton Island beckons as our first stop, with its rugged landscapes and hidden coves, perfect for snorkelling or a quiet beachside evening. Port Stephens enchants with its national parks, playful dolphins, and migrating humpback whales, while Newcastle, with its vibrant arts scene and coastal charm, adds cultural depth to your journey.
Sail to Pittwater, a sanctuary for yachtsmen and nature enthusiasts alike, before reaching the iconic Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, where our journey concludes in spectacular fashion.
With Ocean Sailing Expeditions, this isn't just a sailing holiday but a life-affirming experience aboard a fantastic yacht equipped with all the comforts and amenities. Our skilled crew ensures that each destination is rich in insight, making your journey educational and exhilarating from start to finish.
This 7-day journey promises not just new horizons but new perspectives. It’s an invitation to embrace the freedom of the sea, to witness nature’s wonders up close, and to forge connections with the world around us. Set sail with Ocean Sailing Expeditions and chart a course for the extraordinary, with every nautical mile a story waiting to be told.
Passage plan
Crew registration
Secure your place on the crew with deposit options from 20%.
Single Berth: AUD$3,750
PRIVATE CABIN:AUD$10,125 (3 BERTHS)
Expedition Description
Southport
Crossing into Queensland, Southport marks the northernmost destination of this journey. As the heart of the Gold Coast, it blends urban sophistication with the laid-back beach culture. Southport's Broadwater offers protected waters ideal for sailing, with the city's skyscrapers providing a stunning backdrop.
Broughton Island
Broughton Island is a hidden gem within the Myall Lakes National Park. As part of a marine park, it offers untouched natural beauty, with opportunities for snorkeling in its clear waters to see vibrant marine life. The island's history as a fishing base adds an interesting layer to its serene landscapes.
Port Stephens
Known as the "Blue Water Paradise," Port Stephens is a sailing paradise with its crystal-clear waters, stunning marine park, and the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Its sheltered bays and secluded beaches offer perfect anchorages. The region's history, from Indigenous culture to a strategic defense location in WWII, adds depth to its natural attractions.
Pittwater
Just a stone's throw from Sydney, Pittwater is a secluded haven offering tranquil waters surrounded by national parks. Its pristine beaches, hidden coves, and serene bays are perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape on the water. The area's rich Indigenous and colonial heritage, combined with its natural beauty, makes Pittwater a unique destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Sydney
Sydney's sparkling harbor is a jewel in Australia's crown, offering an unparalleled sailing experience. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sailing in Sydney provides a unique perspective on these world-renowned landmarks. The city's rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and bustling harbor life make it a must-visit for any sailing enthusiast.
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
SAILING.BLOG
Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation
Salt Lines
Itinery
You'll fly into Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport on the 26th of October 2024. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 27th of October we'll depart Southport and head for our first of our stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 26th of October, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 26th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.
We’ll aim to be tied up in Sydney by 3pm on the 1st of March for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart the Gold Coast from the 29th of March onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Gold Coast by 4pm on 26/10/24
Crew welcome dinner on 26/10/24
Crew training and safety familiarisation 27/10/24
Depart Gold Coast Marina around 12pm on 27/10/24
Arrive in Sydney by 5pm on 1/11/24
Crew farewell dinner on 1/11/24
Depart Sydney on 2/11/24
Getting to and from the yacht
Arrival at the yacht before departure: Sydney Airport
Departing from the yacht on arrival: Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport
Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway
Land transport:
Sydney: train, taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Gold Coast: taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Brisbane: train, taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore, and accommodation onboard throughout the duration of the event. It also incudes your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, any cruising permits and local taxes, 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.
Private Cabins
There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.
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. Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.
Review sailing calendar for all events