Retrace the legendary Sydney to Hobart race route in reverse on this offshore adventure. Departing from Hobart’s historic Constitution Dock, we sail north through Storm Bay, across Bass Strait, and up the dramatic east coast to Sydney.
This Category 1 passage delivers real offshore experience from rolling Southern Ocean swells, to tactical coastal sailing, and night watches that build skill, confidence, and sea miles. Conditions vary from brisk southern breezes to shifting coastal currents, offering a well-rounded test of seamanship.
With weather dependent flexibility, the voyage may include occasional anchorage stopovers, but stays true to its offshore spirit. Arriving under the Sydney Harbour Bridge brings a fitting and unforgettable end to one of Australia’s most iconic sailing routes.
Sail 660nm on an iconic ocean passage
Retrace the legendary Sydney to Hobart route in reverse, from Hobart to Sydney, on a true offshore adventure through Southern Ocean and Bass Strait waters.
Sail aboard Awen, our IMOCA 60 race yacht
Experience the power and precision of a world-class offshore racing yacht, designed for solo round-the-world performance and speed.
Depart from historic Hobart waterfront
Set sail from Constitution Dock and navigate Storm Bay and Tasmania’s remote coastline as your journey north begins.
Cross the Bass Strait under sail
Face one of the world’s most dynamic stretches of water. unpredictable, exhilarating, and essential for building true offshore experience.
Tactical coastal sailing up Australia’s East Coast
Navigate shifting winds, strong currents, and dramatic headlands as you sail past Flinders Island, Eden, and Jervis Bay en route to Sydney.
Build offshore miles and master ocean seamanship
Perfect for sailors working toward qualifications or experience, this Category 1 passage delivers hands-on helming, navigation, and night sailing in real conditions.
Arrive in Sydney Harbour with a sense of accomplishment
Complete your journey beneath the Harbour Bridge and into the heart of Australia's sailing capital, an unforgettable finale to an epic voyage.
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.
15 January 2026
Fly into Hobart Airport
Meet the vessel Awen at Constitution Dock by 3:00 PM
Crew welcome, safety briefing, and dinner
16 January 2026
Full-day offshore preparation and training aboard Awen
Safety drills, sail handling, watch rotations, and passage planning
Review weather systems and route strategy for the journey north
17–24 January 2026
Depart Hobart and begin your offshore passage to Sydney
Sail north through Storm Bay, cross the Bass Strait, and navigate the NSW coastline
Night sailing, helming, navigation, and seamanship in real offshore environments
Arrive in Sydney
25 January 2026
Crew debrief
Depart from Sydney Airport or extend your stay to explore the city
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.
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.