Embark on a memorable coastal voyage from Rivergate Marina in Brisbane to Gladesville Marina in Sydney, tracing more than 460 nautical miles of Australia’s spectacular east coast. This passage offers the perfect mix of open-ocean adventure and stunning coastal scenery, making it ideal for building offshore miles or gaining hands-on sailing experience.
Sail past golden beaches, through the waters off the Gold Coast, around Cape Byron, Australia’s easternmost point, and along the rugged cliffs near Point Danger. Conditions vary from calm coastal breezes to more dynamic offshore winds, providing an excellent test of seamanship and teamwork.
Along the way, enjoy the magic of the marine environment. Dolphins often surf the bow, and whales may be spotted during the migration season. As you approach Sydney, the coastline gives way to dramatic headlands before the unforgettable moment of entering Sydney Harbour, framed by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Whether you are an experienced sailor or eager to step up your skills, this east coast adventure delivers challenge, beauty, and the satisfaction of completing a classic Australian sailing route.
Sail aboard an iconic IMOCA 60 racing yacht
Experience life on a true offshore thoroughbred, our round the world IMOCA 60, designed for speed, performance, and blue water endurance.
Cover 460 nautical miles along Australia’s stunning east coast
Journey from Brisbane’s Rivergate Marina to Sydney’s Gladesville Marina, navigating one of Australia’s most scenic and rewarding offshore passages.
Pass Cape Byron, Australia’s easternmost point
Rounding this iconic landmark, you’ll take in panoramic views from sea of its famous lighthouse and dramatic headlands.
Encounter dolphins, whales, and seabirds
Watch dolphins ride the bow wave, spot migrating humpbacks, and keep an eye out for soaring seabirds throughout the voyage.
Hone your offshore sailing skills
Take part in helming, trimming, navigation, and night watches as part of a hands-on crew guided by experienced offshore sailors.
Arrive in style through Sydney Heads and under the Harbour Bridge
Your final approach delivers a spectacular welcome, sailing past Sydney’s dramatic cliffs into the world’s most famous harbour.
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.
You’ll fly into Brisbane Airport and join the vessel at Rivergate Marina, located near the Gateway Bridge. This is a 15 minute cab/Uber ride from the airport.
1 Jul 2026
Arrive at the vessel in Brisbane (Rivergate Marina) by 10am
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
2 Jul 2026
Crew training and practical preparation on Moreton Bay
3 Jul 2026
Depart Rivergate Marina around 10am (subject to tide)
Sail 50nm across Moreton Bay, exit via Cape Moreton, and head south to Sydney
7 Jul 2026
Arrive in Sydney Harbour (Gladesville Bridge Marina) late afternoon
Crew farewell dinner
8 Jul 2026
Depart from Sydney Airport (20 minute cab/Uber ride from marina).
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard on the passage, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants, 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 accommodation packages, that include transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew.
You can purchase as an add on item during the booking process, or closer to the event.
You can also arrange your own accommodation ashore: Options: 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.