The Cabbage Tree Island Race is a key offshore challenge on the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia calendar, offering 172nm of tactical sailing along New South Wales’ coast.
Starting in Sydney Harbour, the fleet heads north to Cabbage Tree Island off Port Stephens before returning south to finish in Sydney. As a Category 2 race, it’s a crucial Hobart lead-up, attracting seasoned offshore crews and competitive Corinthian teams.
Sailors face shifting winds, coastal currents, and overnight conditions that test seamanship, navigation, and endurance. With its out-and-back format and fast-paced offshore legs, the Cabbage Tree Island Race delivers exhilarating sailing and a true taste of overnight ocean racing.
Race 172 Nautical Miles in a Coastal Classic
Join one of Australia’s great overnight offshore races, Sydney to Cabbage Tree Island and back, testing speed, tactics, and teamwork.
Sail Aboard Awen, Our IMOCA 60 Race Yacht
Take the helm of a world class offshore racing yacht, built for performance in long distance ocean races around the globe.
Depart from Sydney Harbour at Sunset
Experience the thrill of a twilight start from iconic Sydney Harbour as the fleet surges through the Heads into the Tasman Sea.
Navigate the North Coast by Night
Push through changing winds and sea states, with sail changes, strategy, and navigation skills put to the test through the night.
Round Remote Cabbage Tree Island
Mark the halfway point off Port Stephens, rounding the rugged island before turning south for the challenging return leg.
Sharpen Your Offshore Racing Skills
Perfect for building Sydney Hobart experience, this Category 2 race demands endurance, focus, and precision over 24+ hours.
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.
Arrive at Sydney Airport
Meet the vessel at the Gladesville Bridge Marina by 3:00 PM
Crew welcome and dinner—get acquainted with the team and your yacht
2 days full-day training and preparation aboard the yacht
Safety briefings, sail handling drills, watch rotations, and race familiarisation
Race start at 13:00 hours on 5th December, depart Sydney Harbour, sail north through Sydney Heads
180‑nautical‑mile offshore challenge to Cabbage Tree Island (near Port Stephens) and back to CYCA
Overnight racing expected to conclude in the evening—timing depends on wind and conditions
Celebratory finish, prize-giving, and post-race social with the CYCA community
Depart from Sydney Airport or extend your stay to explore the harbour city
Arrive at Sydney Airport
Meet the vessel at the Gladesville Bridge Marina by 3:00 PM
Crew welcome and dinner—get acquainted with the team and your yacht
2 days full-day training and preparation aboard the yacht
Safety briefings, sail handling drills, watch rotations, and race familiarisation
Race start at 13:00 hours on 5th December, depart Sydney Harbour, sail north through Sydney Heads
180‑nautical‑mile offshore challenge to Cabbage Tree Island (near Port Stephens) and back to CYCA
Overnight racing expected to conclude in the evening—timing depends on wind and conditions
Celebratory finish, prize-giving, and post-race social with the CYCA community
Depart from Sydney Airport or extend your stay to explore the harbour city
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
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.