Queensland Sailing Events — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

gold coast to pittwater / 368 nm / 6 nights / coastal sailing passage

The Gold Coast to Pittwater Passage is an exhilarating 368 nautical-mile journey along the stunning Queensland and New South Wales coastlines. Starting from the Gold Coast’s, Southport Yacht Club and heading down the Queensland Coast, and New South Wales Coast to Pittwater. The southerly passage presents 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.


Port Stephens to Gold Coast / 310 nm / 5 nights / coastal sailing passage

The Port Stephens to Gold Coast Passage is an unforgettable 310-nautical-mile journey along Australia’s spectacular east coast, offering an exhilarating combination of open-water sailing and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Starting at the picturesque Anchorage Marina in Port Stephens, this voyage takes sailors north along the pristine New South Wales coastline, past rugged headlands, golden beaches, and picturesque towns, before arriving at the vibrant Southport Yacht Club in Queensland.


Twin-Reefs Offshore Training Bootcamp / 830m / 9 nights / ocean sailing passage

Embark on an unparalleled offshore sailing adventure with our 820-nautical-mile offshore training camp, designed for sailors eager to elevate their racing and seamanship skills.

Led by Olympic, Sydney Hobart and Round-the-world sailor, Sharon Ferris-Choat and starting at Southport this comprehensive program combines intensive and exhilarating 300nm voyage into the Tasman Sea, culminating in a debrief and celebratory dinner in Sydney after finishing.


sydney to gold coast yacht RACE / 384nm / 7 nights / coastal Race

The Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race is one of Australia’s premier offshore sailing events, offering a thrilling 384-nautical-mile challenge along the stunning east coast. In 2025, sailors will once again test their skills, endurance, and strategy as they navigate changing weather conditions and tactical obstacles on the journey north.

Starting in Sydney Harbour, under the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the race heads into the Tasman Sea, blending breathtaking scenery with demanding challenges. Crews face fast offshore breezes, shifting wind patterns, currents, and potential big swells, requiring precise sail-handling and seamless teamwork.


gold coast to mackay yacht RACE / 520nm / 7 nights / coastal Race

The Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, hosted by the Southport Yacht Club, is a premier offshore sailing event set along Australia’s stunning east coast.

Starting from Southport, a vibrant city known for its iconic beaches and maritime culture, the race takes competitors north through breathtaking coastal and open sea waters, culminating in tropical Mackay.

This challenging yet rewarding journey attracts both seasoned sailors and passionate amateurs, offering a unique mix of adventure, competition, and camaraderie.


airlie beach RACE WEEK / 9 nights / sailing REGATTA

Airlie Beach Race Week is the ultimate combination of spectacular island racing and evening fun ashore. Run out of the Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach in the Whitsunday Islands, the race week spans 6 races around the island over 7 days, with a fun filled lay-day in the middle. With more than 120 - 140 yachts racing in sparking blue waters, filled with whales, turtles and dolphins, it’s one of our favourite regattas. 

Join the race crew onboard our IMOCA Open 60 for a week of high adrenalin racing on the water and fun ashore.


HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK / 10 nights / sailing REGATTA

Hamilton Island Race Week is the ultimate combination of spectacular island racing and evening fun ashore. Set on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands, the race week spans 6 races around the island over 7 days, with a fun filled lay-day in the middle. With more than 200 yachts racing in sparking blue waters, filled with whales, turtles and dolphins, it’s is my favourite annual regatta. 

Join one our race crew, with the race program led by our very own Olympic, Volvo Ocean Race, World Speed Record, Match Racing and Yacht Maidan Sharon Ferris-Choat for a week of high adrenalin racing on the water and fun ashore.


Hamilton Island to Magnetic Island / 150 nm / 2 nights / coastal sailing passage

The Hamilton Island to Magnetic Island passage is a delightful 150-nautical-mile journey through the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. Departing from the vibrant Hamilton Island Marina, the voyage heads north to the serene Magnetic Island Marina, covering the distance in under 24 hours. This route is a sailor’s dream, with calm conditions often prevailing due to the reef's protection, making it ideal for both seasoned sailors and newcomers seeking a relaxed offshore experience. Along the way, you’ll pass stunning islands, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, with opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even migrating whales in season.


Magnetic Island RACE WEEK / 9 nights / sailing REGATTA

Magnetic Island Race Week is the ultimate combination of spectacular island racing and evening fun ashore. Run out of the Maggie Island Marina, in North Queensland, the race week spans 6 races around the island and bays over 6 days, with a fun filled lay-day in the middle. With more than 70 yachts racing in sparking blue waters, filled with whales, turtles and dolphins, it’s one of our favourite regattas. 

Join the race crew onboard our IMOCA Open 60 and previous round-the-world yacht: Awen, for a week of high adrenalin racing on the water and fun ashore.


Townsville to Gold Coast / 720 nm / 10 nights / coastal sailing passage

The Townsville to Gold Coast Passage is an extraordinary 720-nautical-mile journey showcasing the diverse beauty of Australia’s eastern coastline. Departing from the Breakwater Marina in Townsville, this voyage takes you south through the Great Barrier Reef Islands, along the stunning east coast of K’gari (Fraser Island)—the largest sand island in the world—and concludes at the Southport Seaway entrance on the Gold Coast. The passage offers a mix of open-water sailing and tranquil coastal cruising, with opportunities to make a couple of coastal stops along the way. These stops allow you to explore secluded anchorages, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life.


Southport to Sydney / 820nm / 10 nights / ocean sailing expedition-passage

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.

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.


SYDNEY TO SOUTHPORT / 420 NM / 21 nights / Australian 2-yacht eXPEDITION

Embark on an extraordinary sailing adventure along Australia's breathtaking east coast. From the iconic Sydney Harbour to the golden shores of Southport, this voyage promises spectacular scenery, diverse marine life, and unforgettable ocean experiences.

Further offshore, we pass the towering Balls Pyramid, an awe-inspiring volcanic monolith, before reaching Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed paradise known for its coral reefs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Continuing to the Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, we discover one of the world’s southernmost coral reef ecosystems, teeming with colourful marine life.


sOUTHPORT TO MACKAY / 550NM / 14 nights / Australian 2-yacht eXPEDITION

Embark on a sailing adventure exploring Australia’s tropical coastline from Southport to Mackay. This journey blends adventure and breathtaking natural beauty, taking you through pristine islands, vibrant reefs, and secluded anchorages.

Departing from Southport, we sail north to Mooloolaba, known for its golden beaches and fresh seafood, before reaching the tranquil shores of Double Island Point. Continuing offshore, we explore the stunning coral reefs of Lady Elliott and Lady Musgrave, where manta rays glide through crystal-clear waters.


MACKAY TO CAIRNS / 450NM / 14 nights / Australian 2-yacht eXPEDITION

Embark on a sailing adventure exploring the pristine waters and islands of Queensland’s coast. Departing from Mackay, the voyage takes you through the breathtaking Whitsundays, beginning with Brampton Island’s sandy shores. Along the way, discover secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs at Scawfell, Goldsmith, and Haslewood Islands, perfect for snorkelling and marine encounters.

Sail onward to the tranquil Thomas and Shaw b before arriving at the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, where pure silica sands and turquoise waters create an unforgettable backdrop.


CAIRNS TO THURSDAY ISLAND / 500NM / 14 nights / Australian 2-yacht eXPEDITION

Embark on a sailing adventure journeying through the breathtaking waters of Australia’s far north. From Cairns to Thursday Island, this voyage offers a blend of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and pristine seascapes.

Setting sail from Cairns, our first stop is Michaelmas Cay, a haven for birdwatchers and snorkelers, surrounded by a thriving coral reef. Nearby, Cairns Reef provides an incredible underwater experience with the vivid biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

Sailing north, we reach Cooktown, where history comes alive with tales of Captain Cook and Australia’s early explorers.


THURSDAY ISLAND TO DARWIN / 900NM / 21 nights / Australian 2-yacht eXPEDITION

Join us for a 21-day voyage through Australia’s remote northern territories, from Thursday Island to Darwin. This journey blends cultural discovery, rugged landscapes, and pristine seascapes, offering an adventure like no other.

Departing from Thursday Island, the heart of Torres Strait culture, you’ll explore a region rich in storytelling, music, and tradition. Nearby, Horn Island’s WWII relics provide a poignant connection to Australia’s past. Sailing south, the Cape York Peninsula offers untouched wilderness and breathtaking scenery at Australia’s northernmost point.

In Gove Harbour, crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, perfect for diving, fishing, and exploration.