Set sail on an epic 1,064-nautical-mile blue water classic from Sydney to Nouméa, New Caledonia. This premier ocean race is a true test of endurance, strategy, and seamanship, taking crews from the rugged coastline of Australia across the Tasman and Coral Seas to the tropical paradise of Nouméa.
Departing Sydney Harbour, the fleet races into open waters, navigating variable ocean conditions, trade winds, and powerful currents before reaching the turquoise lagoons and warm waters of New Caledonia. This race is renowned for its stunning downwind sailing, with thrilling spinnaker runs and long ocean swells pushing boats toward the finish.
As part of the feeder series for the Groupama Race, the Sydney to Nouméa Race attracts an international fleet of offshore racers, offering a challenging yet rewarding passage to the South Pacific. Upon arrival, sailors are welcomed by the Cercle Nautique Calédonien in Nouméa with legendary hospitality, hot showers, and a well-earned celebration in the heart of the Pacific. Whether you're an experienced offshore competitor or looking to take on a bucket-list transpacific adventure, the Sydney to Nouméa Yacht Race delivers an unforgettable experience. Join us for this world-class sailing challenge and set your course for adventure!
Race Across the Coral Sea
Compete in one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most fun filled, downwind offshore races, bridging two iconic sailing destinations in a bi-annual Category 1 event.
Sail Aboard Awen, Our IMOCA 60 Race Yacht
Take on the Coral Sea in a purpose-built, around-the-world racing machine designed for endurance, speed, and performance in extreme offshore conditions.
Experience the Power of the ocean sailing
Navigate long-period ocean swells, shifting weather systems, and powerful fronts as you test your seamanship across stretch water.
Iconic Start in Sydney Harbour
Depart beneath the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, as the city fades behind you and the open ocean adventure begins.
Landfall in Noumea
Cross the finish line in Noumea, where a proud yachting culture and warm welcome await your arrival.
Refine Your Offshore Sailing Skills
From pre-race safety drills and sail prep to night watches and real-time decision-making, this race is a masterclass in ocean racing.
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Watch roster 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, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
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.
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).
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.
25 May 2027
Arrive in Sydney and join the yacht by 4pm.
Crew welcome dinner ashore, meet the team and discuss race preparations.
26 - 28 May 2027
On-water training and sail familiarisation.
Safety briefing, crew roles, and systems check.
Final race preparations and provisioning.
29 May 2027
Race start on Sydney Harbour.
29 May - 2 Jun 2027
Race from Sydney to Noumea.
Arrival in Nouméa and post-race clearance.
3 Jun 2027
Team debrief.
Prize-giving dinner – celebrate with fellow sailors
4 Jun 2027
Depart Nouméa after midday.
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 4-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.
You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Previous Qualifying Event
A Trans-Tasman / Coral Sea Race on an IMOCA Open 60 such as Awen, is a serious undertaking.
To be eligible to join the race crew for this event, you will need to complete a regatta, Cat 2 ocean race or passage onboard Awen in the 12 months prior to the Sydney to Noumea Race event.
This will help you build your skills and confidence as crew on Awen and ensure that this event is the right next step for you. You can book your qualifying event at a later date, as long as its completed prior the Trans-Tasman Race.
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.