Sydney to the Whitsunday Islands
This magnificent one thousand-mile sailing adventure is definitely a Flying Fish favourite. It provides an excellent opportunity for competent sailors to gain sea miles, offshore experience, and qualifying passages, in preparation for the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence assessment.
Description
Departing from our base on Sydney Harbour, we sail north following the sun along Australia’s spectacular east coast.
The passage typically includes stops in Coffs Harbour, Southport, and Mooloolaba before continuing past Fraser Island, the Keppel Islands, and through the stunning Whitsunday Islands.
Two weeks later, the voyage finishes at Hamilton Island in the heart of the tropical Whitsundays.
Along the way, you’ll experience a wide variety of sailing conditions, navigational challenges, coastal pilotage, and offshore passagemaking.
Expect dolphins, whales, flying fish, beautiful anchorages, and unforgettable offshore sailing.
Course content
During the passage, you’ll develop practical skills and experience in:
- Preparation for sea
- Safety equipment and emergency procedures
- Pilotage and passage planning
- Offshore navigation and watchkeeping
- Heavy weather preparation and seamanship
- Helming, sail trim, and boat handling
- Night sailing and offshore routines
- Crew management and the role of the skipper
Weather and conditions
The passage usually begins in cooler conditions in Sydney before gradually becoming warmer as we head north into the tropics.
At this time of year, prevailing south-east trade winds often provide excellent reaching and downwind sailing conditions.
As with all offshore sailing, conditions can vary considerably, providing valuable real-world experience along the way.
The yacht and instructors
Your passage is led by a professional RYA-qualified instructor who will coach, mentor, and support the crew throughout the voyage.
You’ll sail aboard Flying Cloud, our powerful and race-prepared Beneteau First 40, designed for fast and rewarding offshore sailing.
Before you start
- No formal qualifications are required but your sailing and navigation skills should be at RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent.
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.
- 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.
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.
Faq
- Booking information
- To secure your place, pay a 20% holding deposit via the links above. This reserves your spot until 60 days before the course start date, when the balance is due.
- The deposit is non‑refundable but may be transferred to any other Flying Fish course or event.
- Spaces are limited—early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
- See our terms and conditions.
- Who should attend?
- Designed for RYA Day Skippers (or equivalent) looking to progress into coastal and offshore sailing.
- Participants must be confident in steering, trimming sails, handling lines and winches, and standing watch.
- You’ll refine your seamanship, navigation, and leadership skills under real offshore conditions.
- Many of our customers are progressing along the RYA Yachtmaster pathway to commercial qualification. This passage is instrumental in this regard, offering lots of offshore navigation and pilotage practice.
- Each passage boosts your confidence—expect to return a much more capable skipper or crew.
- What type of yacht will I sail on?
- We sail aboard our offshore‑rated Beneteau First 40 cruiser‑racer.
- This yacht provides a stable and responsive platform, equipped with modern navigation systems and comprehensive safety gear.
- Crew accommodation in comfortable cabins, with shared heads and galley facilities on board.
- How fit do I need to be?
- The course involves deck work, sail handling, and watchkeeping in variable conditions.
- Reasonable fitness, agility, and a positive attitude are essential.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, bring your preferred remedy and start treatment at least 24 hours before departure.
- What if the weather is bad?
- Training continues in most conditions—handling challenging weather is an integral part of the learning process.
- We only delay departure for genuine safety risks; otherwise, it’s valuable real‑world practice.
- What should I bring?
- Quick‑dry layers and warm mid‑layers for cooler conditions
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan sets available if needed)
- Non‑slip deck shoes or trainers
- Hat, sunglasses, and high‑factor sunscreen
- Sleeping bag, pillowcase, towel and personal toiletries
- Headtorch with red‑light function
- Seasickness medication (start 24 hours before)
- A sense of adventure and teamwork!