Sydney to the Whitsunday Islands
This magnificent one thousand-mile sailing adventure is definitely a Flying Fish favorite. It provides an excellent opportunity for competent sailors to gain sea miles, offshore experience, and qualifying passages, in preparation for assessment for the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.
Description
Departing from our base in Sydney Harbour we sail north following the sun to Coffs Harbour, and on to Southport where there is a short layover for some well-earned R and R.
Then it's on to Mooloolaba, past Fraser Island and the Keppel group and through the 100 magic miles of the Whitsunday Islands, finishing two weeks later at Hamilton Island in the heart of the tropical Whitsunday islands.
Whatever the forecast you are guaranteed varied sailing conditions and some navigational challenges en route.
You can expect to see whales, dolphins and, of course, flying fish!
Course content
You will 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
- Helming, boat handling, and sail trim
- Watchkeeping and night passages
- Crew Management and the Role of the Skipper
Weather en route
Weather en route The weather will be cool in Sydney at the start of the passage.
As we head north into the tropics things will get progressively warmer hopefully with prevailing fresh south-east Trade winds making for excellent downwind sailing conditions.
The yacht and the instructor
The passage will be run by a friendly, RYA-qualified, instructor.
You will be on board one of our Beneteau 40.7 training yachts which are fully set up for offshore sailing.
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.
- Flights are not included.
- Expect to eat ashore for a couple of nights at your own expense.
Qualifications
- 1,000 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 RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent.
What next?
- At the end of the course, your instructor will give you feedback on your sailing and skippering ability and make recommendations for your future training and experience.
