Sydney to Hobart Qualifying Passage

This 500-nautical-mile offshore training passage is designed to provide the qualifying experience required for major offshore races such as the Sydney to Hobart, RORC Fastnet Race and Caribbean 600.

Before each passage, Flying Fish liaises with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), organisers of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, to ensure our intended passage plan meets the current race qualifying requirements.

Past qualifying passages have required us to sail approximately 200 nautical miles offshore to a designated waypoint, then sail a further 100 nautical miles parallel to the coast before returning to Sydney. The exact route may vary according to current CYCA requirements and weather conditions.

You’ll sail continuously by day and night, living aboard and operating a watch system as part of the crew. Every crew member takes an active role in sailing, navigation, watchkeeping and running the yacht.

Training and experience

• Preparation for sea
• Safety equipment and procedures
• Passage planning and pilotage
• Offshore navigation
• Weather and heavy-weather preparation
• Sail trim and sail changes
• Man overboard procedures
• Watchkeeping and night sailing
• Crew management and leadership
• Skipper experience

A genuine offshore passage

This is much more than a mile-building trip. It is a structured offshore training passage designed to develop the skills, confidence and experience required to operate effectively as part of an offshore racing or cruising crew.

It is also ideal for aspiring RYA Yachtmasters who need to build qualifying miles, offshore passages and practical watchkeeping or skipper experience.

The yacht and instructor

You’ll complete the passage aboard SV Arctos, our Sydney to Hobart race yacht, with an experienced RYA Instructor.

You’ll live aboard with your fellow crew, operate a watch system and take an active role in every aspect of running the yacht.

Final acceptance of qualifying passages remains with the relevant race organiser. If you are completing the passage for an event other than the Sydney to Hobart, please check that event’s current qualifying requirements before booking.

• No formal qualifications are required, but you should have sailing and navigation skills to at least RYA Competent Crew level or equivalent and be comfortable taking an active role on board.
• Previous offshore sailing experience is useful but not essential. You should be reasonably fit and prepared for continuous day and night sailing, including working a watch system.
• We strongly recommend completing a World Sailing-approved Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course before joining the passage, particularly if you are preparing for the Sydney to Hobart or another major offshore race.

• At the end of the passage, your instructor will give you individual feedback on your sailing, offshore skills and skippering, with recommendations for your next steps.
• Continue building your offshore racing experience towards events such as the Sydney to Hobart, RORC Fastnet Race or Caribbean 600.
• If you are working towards RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, we can advise you on the experience and training you need next.

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

Experience gained

• Approximately 500 nautical miles of offshore sailing.
• A substantial continuous offshore passage with day and night sailing.
• Practical watchkeeping and night sailing experience.
• Offshore navigation, sail handling and passage-making experience.
• Qualifying miles and passage experience towards RYA Yachtmaster certification.

• Booking information
  • Secure your place with a 20% deposit using the booking links above. The balance is due 60 days before the passage starts.
  • 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.
• Who joins the qualifying passage?
  • Our crews include sailors from Australia and around the world, and many people join on their own.
  • Some are preparing for major offshore races such as the Sydney to Hobart, while others are building offshore miles and experience towards RYA Yachtmaster.
  • You do not need extensive offshore or racing experience, but your sailing and navigation skills should be at least RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent.
• How fit do I need to be and how should I prepare?
  • You should be reasonably fit, mobile and comfortable taking an active role on board. The passage involves several days of continuous offshore sailing, including night watches and disrupted sleep.
  • Get as much sailing time as possible beforehand and refresh your knowledge of navigation, IRPCS, weather, sail handling and offshore safety.
  • You will be an active member of the crew throughout the passage, not a passenger.
• What should I bring and what conditions should I expect?
  • Detailed joining instructions and a full kit list will be provided before the passage.
  • Be prepared for a wide range of offshore conditions, including strong winds, rough seas, rain and cold night watches.
  • Bring warm layers, suitable sailing footwear, gloves and your normal personal sailing kit. Wet weather clothing 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 in offshore sailing and does not necessarily prevent you from taking part.
  • If you know you are susceptible, consider appropriate medication and take it before going offshore, following the manufacturer’s or your medical professional’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 own cover for personal injury, illness, belongings or travel disruption.
  • Your policy should be appropriate for offshore sailing and include suitable medical and emergency assistance.
• What happens if the passage is delayed or the route changes?
  • Offshore sailing is weather dependent, so the exact route, departure time and return time cannot be guaranteed.
  • The passage plan may also be adjusted to meet current qualifying requirements and provide the safest and most appropriate route for the forecast conditions.
  • Please allow some flexibility with flights, accommodation and other travel arrangements immediately after the scheduled finish.