Sydney to Hobart Qualifying Passage

Build your offshore sailing experience on this 500-nautical-mile training and qualifying passage, designed for sailors preparing for major ocean races, including the Sydney to Hobart, RORC Fastnet Race and Caribbean 600.

For the Sydney to Hobart, at least 50% of the crew must meet the Category 1 experience requirements.

This passage is optional, not compulsory for every race participant. Flying Fish nevertheless encourages all offshore racers to gain substantial experience before competing and as a Cat 1 crew qualifier you will be well set up. 

Before departure, Flying Fish liaises with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) to check that our planned route meets current qualifying passage requirements.

Previous passages have involved sailing approximately 200 nautical miles offshore before returning to Sydney via an extended offshore route. The exact course depends on weather conditions and CYCA requirements.

You'll sail continuously by day and night, sharing watches and taking an active role in sailing, navigation and running the yacht.

Training and experience

• Preparation for sea and safety procedures
• Passage planning and offshore navigation
• Weather forecasting and heavy-weather preparation
• Sail handling, trim and sail changes
• Man overboard procedures
• Watchkeeping and night sailing
• Crew management and leadership
• Opportunities to develop skippering skills

A genuine offshore passage

More than a mile-building trip, this structured passage develops the skills and confidence needed for offshore racing and cruising.

It's ideal for sailors preparing for the Sydney to Hobart with Flying Fish or another team, as well as aspiring RYA Yachtmasters building offshore miles and passage experience.

The yacht and instructor

You'll sail aboard SV Arctos, our Sydney to Hobart race yacht, with an experienced RYA Instructor.

Acceptance of qualifying passages is subject to approval by the relevant race organiser. If you're preparing for an event other than the Sydney to Hobart, please check its current requirements before booking.

No formal qualifications are required, but you should have some sailing experience and be ready to take an active role as part of an offshore crew.

• Experience: Sailing skills to at least RYA Competent Crew level or equivalent are recommended. Previous offshore experience is useful but not essential.
• Fitness: You should be reasonably fit and comfortable with continuous day and night sailing, including working a watch system.
• Safety training: We strongly recommend completing a World Sailing-approved Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course before joining, particularly if you're preparing for a major offshore race.

• Personal feedback: Your instructor will review your sailing and offshore skills, including any skippering experience, and recommend your next steps.
• Offshore racing: Build on your experience and prepare for major events such as the Sydney to Hobart, RORC Fastnet Race or Caribbean 600.
• RYA Yachtmaster: If you're working towards Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, we'll help you identify the additional experience and training needed to achieve your goals.

• Accommodation and meals on board throughout the passage.
• Professional RYA instruction and practical offshore training.
• Fuel, consumables and marina fees.
• Onboard safety equipment and training materials.
• Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required.

Experience gained

• Approximately 500 nautical miles of continuous offshore sailing, including day and night passages.
• Practical watchkeeping, navigation and sail handling experience.
• Experience in offshore passage planning, weather assessment and crew management.
• Offshore miles and passage experience towards RYA Yachtmaster qualifications, subject to RYA requirements.
• Experience intended to contribute towards Category 1 offshore race eligibility, subject to acceptance by the relevant race organiser.

• Booking information
  • Secure your place with a 20% deposit using the booking links above. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
  • Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event with at least 60 days' notice.
  • Places are limited, so we recommend booking early.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• Do I need this passage to compete in the Sydney to Hobart?
  • No. Completing this particular qualifying passage is not compulsory for Sydney to Hobart participants.
  • Under the race experience requirements, all crew must have completed a Category 2 or higher race or qualifying passage within the previous five years. At least 50% of the crew must also have completed a Category 1 or higher race or qualifying passage within the previous ten years.
  • Our 500-nautical-mile offshore passage is designed to help sailors gain the experience needed to meet the Category 1 passage requirement, subject to acceptance by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA).
  • Although not everyone needs Category 1 experience, Flying Fish strongly encourages all aspiring Sydney to Hobart sailors to gain substantial offshore experience before racing.
  • You can join this passage whether you're racing with Flying Fish, another team, or simply building your offshore experience.
• Who joins the qualifying passage?
  • Our crews include sailors from Australia and overseas, and many participants join on their own.
  • Some are preparing for major offshore races, including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet Race and Caribbean 600. Others are building offshore miles and experience towards RYA Yachtmaster qualifications.
  • Extensive offshore or racing experience is not essential. Sailing skills to at least RYA Competent Crew level or equivalent are recommended.
• How fit do I need to be and how should I prepare?
  • You should be reasonably fit, mobile and ready to take an active role on board. Expect several days of continuous offshore sailing, night watches and interrupted sleep.
  • Get as much sailing experience as possible beforehand and refresh your knowledge of navigation, collision regulations, weather, sail handling and safety procedures.
  • You'll be an active member of the crew throughout the passage, not a passenger.
• What should I bring and what conditions should I expect?
  • We'll provide detailed joining instructions and a full kit list before departure.
  • Be prepared for changing offshore conditions, including strong winds, rough seas, rain and cold night watches.
  • Bring warm layers, sailing footwear, gloves and personal sailing equipment. Wet weather gear can be borrowed from Flying Fish if required.
  • Pack light and use a soft sailing bag rather than a rigid suitcase.
• What if I get seasick?
  • Seasickness is common offshore and doesn't necessarily prevent you from participating.
  • If you're susceptible, consider suitable medication before departure, following medical or manufacturer's advice.
  • Staying hydrated, eating regularly and spending time on deck can also help.
• Do I need personal insurance?
  • Yes. Appropriate personal insurance is required.
  • Flying Fish insurance covers the yacht and our operations but does not replace your personal cover for injury, illness, belongings or travel disruption.
  • Your policy should cover offshore sailing, including suitable medical and emergency assistance.
• What happens if the passage is delayed or the route changes?
  • Offshore sailing is weather dependent, so exact departure times, routes and return times cannot be guaranteed.
  • The route may be adjusted to accommodate weather conditions and current qualifying passage requirements.
  • Please allow flexibility with flights, accommodation and onward travel after the scheduled finish.
  • Final acceptance of the passage for race qualification rests with the relevant race organiser.