Sydney to Hobart Qualifying Passage

This passage meets the requirements of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia for crew qualification for the Sydney to Hobart race. It is also a great mile builder for aspiring Yachtmasters.

7 October
Mon 07 Oct 2024 - Fri 11 Oct 2024
5 days, 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • $1,795.00 incl. GST

Description

To meet the requirements for 'qualified crew status' for the Sydney to Hobart Race, competing sailors must have completed an approved Category 1 equivalent passage. 

To achieve this, the Flying Fish crew will sail on a 500-nautical mile return passage from our base in Sydney to a waypoint 200 miles to seaward of the Australian coast and then sail 100 miles laterally at this eastern point before returning to Sydney.

You will sail continuously by day and night, operating a watch system on board. 

Course content

  • Preparation for sea
  • Safety equipment and procedures
  • Pilotage and passage planning
  • Offshore navigation 
  • Preparing for heavy weather
  • Sail trim
  • Man overboard procedures
  • Watchkeeping/night passages
  • Crew management and the role of the skipper
  • Skipper experience

Location and sailing conditions 

We plan the detailed passage itinerary on the first day to take the best advantage of the weather. 

This is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your offshore sailing skills, log miles, and prepare for the Sydney to Hobart race. 

For those seeking to gain miles and offshore experience for Yachtmaster certification, this is an invaluable experience. 

The yacht and the instructor 

This course will be run on board our Sydney to Hobart race yacht SV Arctos by an accredited RYA Instructor.

You live on board with your fellow students working in a watch system and take part in all aspects of running the boat. 

What's included

  • Accommodation with meals on the yacht, fuel and consumables, marina fees, safety equipment, tuition, and publications.
  • We can lend you wet weather clothing if you need it.

Qualifications and experience 

  • Approx 500 sea miles logged.
  • RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages
  • Watchkeeping experience.

Before you start

  • No formal qualifications are required, but your sailing and navigation skills should be at Day Skipper level or equivalent.
  • If you plan to sail offshore regularly, you should also complete an ISAF-approved Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course. 

What next?

  • At the end of the course, your instructor will give you feedback on your sailing skills and your ability as a skipper, making recommendations for your future training and experience.