Sail Sydney to Gold Coast — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

Join our crew to sail from sydney to gold coast

5 days / cat 2 coastal passage / 380nm

The Sydney to Gold Coast Passage is an exhilarating offshore sailing journey, offering a mix of adventure, challenge, and stunning coastal scenery. Departing from Sydney Harbour, beneath the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, we sail north along Australia’s breathtaking east coast, experiencing fast offshore breezes and complex ocean conditions.

This passage is a true test of seamanship, requiring precision in sail-handling, navigation, and teamwork as we contend with shifting wind patterns, strong currents, and occasional big swells rolling in from the Tasman Sea. Along the way, we pass famous headlands and landmarks, including Cape Byron, Australia’s easternmost point, and Point Danger, marking the Queensland border.

As we close in on Southport on the Gold Coast, our rewarding final destination, we’ll experience the thrill of open-water sailing, possibly surfing down ocean swells in a fresh breeze. Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to build miles or a novice eager to experience offshore sailing, this passage offers high-energy sailing, hands-on learning, and unforgettable moments along one of Australia’s most iconic coastal routes.

Passage Overview

As an offshore sailing passage, this journey presents the excitement and challenges of open-water sailing. The Tasman Sea’s variable weather patterns and strong ocean currents make for dynamic conditions, requiring constant adjustments to sail trim and navigation strategy. Crew members will participate in watch rotations, sail changes, and offshore navigation, gaining invaluable experience in real-world ocean sailing.

Departing from Sydney, we sail past the city’s world-famous skyline, heading into the open waters of the New South Wales coast. The early part of the journey is defined by fast offshore breezes, with yachts often reaching high speeds under spinnaker. The coastline is breathtaking, with towering cliffs, golden beaches, and deep blue waters stretching to the horizon.

As we move further north, the conditions can shift dramatically. The Tasman Sea is known for its complex wind patterns, where sudden changes in pressure systems and ocean currents require sharp tactical decision-making. Depending on weather conditions, we may take a longer offshore route to chase stronger winds or hug the coastline for smoother sailing and spectacular scenery.

One of the highlights of the passage is sailing past Cape Byron, where the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse stands atop rugged cliffs, marking Australia’s easternmost point. Shortly after, we pass Point Danger, the Queensland border’s most prominent coastal landmark, before making the final push toward Southport on the Gold Coast. The approach to the Gold Coast often offers downwind surfing conditions, making for an exhilarating final stretch of the voyage.

Sailing through the Seaway into Southport, we complete a challenging yet rewarding ocean passage, celebrating an epic journey filled with adventure, skill-building, and the camaraderie of offshore sailing.

Sailing Awen

Awen is a high-performance IMOCA 60 racing yacht, built for speed, agility, and an exhilarating offshore sailing experience. As an ex-racing thoroughbred, she offers a fast, high-intensity passage, ideal for sailors wanting to push themselves and experience the raw power of an ocean racing yacht. With her lightweight carbon design, canting keel, and impressive sail area, Awen delivers a true offshore racing experience, making the Sydney to Gold Coast passage a thrilling challenge for experienced sailors.

Her state-of-the-art design allows her to surf down waves at high speeds, turning this journey into an adrenaline-fueled ride through one of Australia’s most famous offshore routes. Sailing Awen means embracing the full intensity of ocean racing, making this passage an unparalleled experience for those seeking a true offshore challenge.

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.

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