Embark on an offshore training adventure designed for sailors ready to advance their seamanship. Whether you’re preparing for a blue water passage, a Sydney Hobart campaign, or seeking real offshore experience, this 9-night expedition delivers practical, hands-on learning in dynamic ocean conditions.
Sail aboard Awen, our high-performance IMOCA Open 60 racing yacht, and develop key skills through safety drills, night watches, weather routing, and real passage-making. From coastal cruising to open Tasman Sea conditions, this is training beyond the classroom.
We'll spend 2 days training on Moreton Bay before departing the Brisbane, and setting a course to round the remote Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, 320nm to the east, before returning to Rivergate Marina. Along the way, you’ll log serious offshore miles and experience seldom-sailed waters.
The journey concludes in Brisbane with a team debrief and celebration, leaving you with enhanced skills, deepened confidence, and a standout offshore sailing achievement.
Train aboard a high-performance IMOCA 60
Sail Awen, a former round-the-world racing yacht, built for speed and performance in real offshore conditions.
830NM real-world offshore passage
Gain hands-on experience on a serious blue water route through the Tasman Sea, with open-ocean navigation, sail changes, and night watches.
Sail past rare and iconic landmarks
Pass Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, among the world’s southernmost coral platform reefs.
Comprehensive coaching and safety training
Start with in-depth coaching sessions and drills in Brisbane covering offshore safety, sail trim, routing, and crew dynamics.
Build confidence, skill, and resilience
Master the fundamentals of offshore sailing while challenging yourself in a supportive, team-based environment.
Finish in Brisbane with a celebration
Conclude your passage with a crew debrief and celebration, after completing an icon passage.
Take on your dedicated crew role onboard and master your area of responsibility and how you interact and communicate with the race crew.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route for each days race course.
Navigating around rocks, reefs and islands , hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Crew planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Planning our daily course around weather, islands, big 3-4m tides and the island effect on wind strength and direction.
Master your sail trimming onboard a high performance yacht. There will be plenty of hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, asymmetric kites, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Step aboard Awen, a high-performance ocean-going yacht built for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable sailing experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of offshore passages, island-hopping through remote archipelagos, or enjoying sunset sails with a like-minded crew, Awen offers the perfect blend of speed, adventure and capability. With experienced skippers, hands-on sailing opportunities, and ever-changing seascapes, every journey on Awen is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself.
26 Apr 2026
Arrive at Awen in the Rivergate Marina by 3:00pm
Crew welcome dinner
27 - 28 Apr 2026
In-Port & Coastal Training – Brisbane / Moreton Bay
Begin with two days of intensive in-port and coastal training on Moreton Bay in Brisbane. Under the guidance of our experienced offshore instructors, participants will refine key sailing skills, including:
Navigation and passage planning
Sail handling and trimming techniques
Safety drills and emergency procedures
Training takes place aboard Awen, our Category 0-certified IMOCA Open 60, providing high-performance, hands-on racing experience in real-world conditions on Moreton Bay.
29 Apr - 3 May 2026
Offshore Passage – Middleton & Elizabeth Reefs
Depart Brisbane and follow the 50nm shipping channel across Moreton Bay before clearing Cape Moreton and setting sail eastward into the Tasman Sea.
Complete a 650nm return leg to Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs, the southernmost platform reefs in the world
Practise offshore sailing techniques: helming, sail changes, weather routing, night watches, and navigation
Experience the raw beauty and isolation of these remote reef systems before turning west to round Cape Moreton and head back to the Rivergate Marina.
Tackle extended night watches, long-distance sailing, and shifting weather systems
Wrap up with a comprehensive crew debrief and celebratory dinner to share lessons learned and milestones achieved
4 May 2026
Depart Brisbane at your leisure. We recommend booking flights from Brisbane Airport after midday.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all lunches onboard, refreshments onboard after racing, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants other than official crew dinners, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port prior to departure, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.
Prior to departure on a passage, you will need to book 2-nights’ accommodation ashore. You will stay onboard for the duration of the passage, while at sea and 1 night (optional) after arrival in port at the end of the passage.
We provide optional pre-departure accommodation, transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew, that you can purchase here. There are limited pre-booked packages available for each event, so please book early to secure a place. Here are suggested accommodation options ashore, should you wish to arrange your own: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.