This passage provides a great opportunity for intermediate sailors to experience challenging offshore sailing and to get the Bass Strait crossing under their belt.

It is also ideal for those looking to gain sea miles and offshore qualifying passages, in preparation for the Yachtmaster examination. 

Start in Hobart

The passage begins in Hobart Tasmania. Weather permitting we will spend a few days gently cruising north along the east coast of Tasmania probably stopping in Port Arthur and Wineglass bay. 

Then it's on across the Bass Strait to Eden on the south coast of New South Wales.

From there we may stop in Jervis bay before returning back to our base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney. 

Whatever the forecast you are guaranteed varied sailing conditions and some navigational challenges en route.

The training

You can expect to develop your skills and experience in the following key areas

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

Watch system

The crew members operate in a watch system, living onboard and rotating the duties.

The yacht and the instructors

The passage is run onboard our ocean training yacht Arctos by a qualified and experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor. 

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading.
• Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• Shared cabin accommodation is provided.
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• We provide all meals onboard from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day.
• You should expect to eat, at your own cost ashore, for one or two nights.

Qualifications and experience

• 750 sea miles logged 
• Yachtmaster qualifying passages
• Watchkeeping experience

No formal qualifications are required but your sailing and navigation skills should be at RYA Competent Crew level or equivalent.

We also recommend you complete an Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course before you go.

At the end of the course, your instructor will give you feedback on your sailing ability and make recommendations for your future training and experience.