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 the next edition of the race, 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, smart navigation, and seamless teamwork. The fleet passes landmarks like Cape Byron and Point Danger, experiencing the exhilaration of offshore racing and the camaraderie of a shared adventure.
The finish line at Southport on the Gold Coast brings a vibrant celebration, rewarding sailors with a warm welcome and a sense of achievement after days of intense racing. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an ambitious amateur, the Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race promises high-intensity competition, unforgettable moments, and the chance to race against some of the best in the sport—all set against the spectacular backdrop of Australia’s coastline.
Race 384nm of Australia’s East Coast
Join one of the nation’s top offshore races, from Sydney to the Gold Coast, covering a challenging and scenic stretch of coastline.
Sail Aboard Awen, Our IMOCA 60 Race Yacht
Experience the power and performance of a true around the world racing yacht, designed for speed and offshore endurance.
Depart Beneath Sydney’s Iconic Skyline
Set off from the heart of Sydney Harbour, passing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the adrenaline builds for the open ocean.
Tackle Dynamic Offshore Conditions
Refine your racing skills in real offshore conditions, manage shifting winds, big swells, fast breezes, and tactical navigation calls.
Pass East Coast Icons
Sail past Cape Byron and Point Danger, landmarks of Australia’s stunning eastern seaboard, as you make your way toward Queensland.
Celebrate at Southport Yacht Club
Cross the finish line with a strong sense of achievement and enjoy post-race festivities in the vibrant Gold Coast sailing community.
Take on your dedicated crew role onboard and master your area of responsibility and how you interact and communicate with the race crew.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route for each days race course.
Navigating around rocks, reefs and islands , hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Crew planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Planning our daily course around weather, islands, big 3-4m tides and the island effect on wind strength and direction.
Master your sail trimming onboard a high performance yacht. There will be plenty of hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, asymmetric kites, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
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.
Step aboard Awen, a high-performance ocean-going yacht built for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable sailing experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of offshore passages, island-hopping through remote archipelagos, or enjoying sunset sails with a like-minded crew, Awen offers the perfect blend of speed, adventure and capability. With experienced skippers, hands-on sailing opportunities, and ever-changing seascapes, every journey on Awen is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself.
22 Jul 2025
Fly into at Sydney Airport
Arrive at the vessel at the CYCA in Rushcutters Bay by 3pm
Crew welcome dinner
23 - 24 Jul 2025
Crew training and safety familiarisation
25 Jul 2025
Race starts at 1300 hours
25 - 28 Jul 2025
Race to Gold Coast will take 1 - 3 days depending on weather and wind direction
Post race celebrations and the prize giving presentation
28 - 29 Jul 2025
Depart Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, while training and racing, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port prior to departure, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.
Prior to departure on a passage, you will need to book 2-nights’ accommodation ashore. You will stay onboard for the duration of the passage, while at sea and 1 night (optional) after arrival in port at the end of the passage.
We provide optional accommodation packages, that include transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew.
You can purchase as an add on item during the booking process, or closer to the event.
You can also arrange your own accommodation ashore: Options: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
Eligibility
You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.