Discover Yachting
Spend a fabulous day sailing on Sydney Harbour aboard one of our comfortable yachts. This is an excellent way to gently learn the ropes, meet new friends, and have a whole lot of fun in the great outdoors. Please choose one of our scheduled dates or enquire below to book it as a private event for your group.
Description

Experience one of Sydney's great adventures aboard a modern sailing yacht.
Spend a full day exploring spectacular Sydney Harbour, combining hands-on sailing with magnificent scenery, great company and plenty of time to unwind.
After a warm welcome and short safety briefing, we'll introduce the yacht, explain the essentials of sailing and head out onto the water.
Take the helm, hoist and trim the sails, learn the basics of yacht handling and, weather permitting, experience the exhilaration of sailing on the Pacific Ocean beyond Sydney Heads.
Sail your way
Be as involved as you like. Take an active role sailing the yacht or simply relax on deck and enjoy one of the world's most beautiful harbours.
Your qualified instructor will tailor the day to suit the group, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the experience at their own pace.
Lunch at anchor
Weather permitting, we'll anchor in one of Sydney Harbour's beautiful sheltered coves for lunch, with the opportunity for a swim or snorkel during the warmer months.
In the afternoon we'll continue sailing past Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, providing some unforgettable photo opportunities before returning to Middle Harbour.
Finish the day in style
Back at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, relax with a drink overlooking the marina or round off the day with dinner at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants at The Spit.
Private group experiences
Enjoy exclusive use of your own yacht and skipper for up to 10 people.
Perfect for families, friends, birthdays, celebrations and corporate groups, private Discover Yachting experiences are just $1,995 per yacht.
To arrange your private sailing experience, simply use the Enquiry button at the top of this page.
Gift vouchers
Looking for a memorable gift? Discover Yachting gift vouchers are perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day and other special occasions.
Gift vouchers are available for one or more people, remain valid for 36 months and can be redeemed online using a unique voucher code.
To purchase a voucher, contact us here and let us know how many people you'd like to include.
What's included
- Full-day instruction from a qualified Flying Fish sailing instructor.
- Lifejackets and all required safety equipment provided.
- Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required.
- Training aboard our modern Beneteau First 40.7 yachts with enclosed bathroom facilities.
- Please bring your own lunch and snacks.
- Tea, coffee and drinking water are provided on board.
Before you start
- No previous sailing experience is required – Discover Yachting is designed for complete beginners.
- Experienced sailors are equally welcome to join us for a relaxed day on Sydney Harbour and a chance to refresh their skills.
What next?
- If you've discovered a passion for sailing, continue your journey with our RYA Competent Crew course and build the skills and confidence to become an active member of a cruising yacht crew.
- Looking for another unforgettable day on the water? Charter your own private yacht and enjoy Sydney Harbour with family, friends or colleagues.
Faq
- Booking information
- Please review our Terms and Conditions before booking.
- We recommend booking early, as places are limited and popular dates often fill well in advance.
- Do I need any previous sailing experience?
- No. Discover Yachting is designed for complete beginners.
- It's also a fantastic day out for former sailors or anyone wanting to spend more time on Sydney Harbour.
- How much sailing will I actually do?
- As much or as little as you like.
- You can take the helm, help trim the sails and learn the basics of sailing, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery while your instructor sails the yacht.
- The day is tailored to the interests and experience of everyone on board.
- Where will we sail?
- We depart from Middle Harbour Yacht Club and explore the beautiful waters of Sydney Harbour.
- Weather permitting, we'll sail through Sydney Heads for a taste of the Pacific Ocean before returning via iconic landmarks including Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
- Can I book a private Discover Yachting experience?
- Yes — private Discover Yachting experiences are available for up to 10 people.
- Perfect for families, friends, birthdays, celebrations and corporate groups.
- A private yacht with your own skipper costs A$1,995 for the day.
- Please enquire here to arrange your private booking.
- How fit do I need to be?
- You only need reasonable mobility to move around the yacht comfortably.
- No advanced fitness or sailing ability is required.
- If you have any concerns about mobility, please contact us before booking.
- What if I get seasick?
- Most of the day is spent sailing in the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour, so seasickness is uncommon.
- As we may also sail on the Pacific Ocean, those prone to motion sickness should consider taking preventative medication beforehand.
- Your pharmacist can recommend suitable options.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Discover Yachting operates in a wide range of weather conditions.
- We only shorten, delay or reschedule the day if conditions become unsuitable or unsafe.
- What type of yacht will we sail on?
- You'll sail aboard one of our modern Beneteau First 40.7 yachts.
- These spacious yachts provide comfortable seating, enclosed bathroom facilities and an ideal platform for a relaxing day on Sydney Harbour.
- What should I bring?
- Comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes.
- A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Your own lunch, snacks and drinks.
- Wet weather clothing can be borrowed if required.
