Sail Gold Coast to Sydney on a 60 foot race yacht — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

gold coast to Sydney

6 days / cat 2 coastal passage / 420nm

Join Ocean Sailing Expeditions aboard Awen, our high-performance IMOCA 60 racing yacht, for an exhilarating Gold Coast to Sydney offshore sailing passage. Covering approximately 420nm, this coastal expedition is packed with intensity, adventure, and unforgettable views as we sail down Australia’s stunning east coast.

Departing from the Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast, we’ll track south along the New South Wales coastline, passing iconic landmarks such as Cape Byron—Australia’s easternmost point—and Point Danger, navigating the powerful offshore winds and ever-changing conditions of the Tasman Sea.

This passage aboard Awen is not your typical cruise—it’s fast, dynamic, and immersive, with opportunities to experience what it’s like to sail a former around-the-world ocean racing yacht. Expect hands-on involvement, from trimming sails and helming to night watches and offshore navigation. Awen’s responsive design, lightweight carbon hull, and powerful rig make every moment at sea thrilling.

The final stretch into Sydney Harbour, sailing past the towering cliffs of the Royal National Park and through the famous Sydney Heads, is a spectacular finish to this coastal adventure. Whether you’re an aspiring ocean racer or an adventurous sailor seeking something new, the Gold Coast to Sydney passage on Awen provides adrenaline, challenge, and world-class coastal sailing.

Watch IMOCA OPen 60 Racing Webinar Replay

Join Sharon Ferris-Choat and David Hows as they dive into what makes our offshore racing events an unforgettable experience. Whether you dream of competing in an iconic race or want to test yourself in an adrenaline-pumping passage, this webinar will show you how you can take part – full training provided!

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.

Review sailing calendar for all events