See the Opera House sails light up on a sydney yacht charter

We’ll be taking our Seawind 1000 catamaran out from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. Jump aboard this wonderful sailing charter boat to drift on the harbour as the daylight fades and the celebration begins. Watch as the Sydney Opera House sails are set with colour; as Customs House arrests your eyes with luminosity; and as the Museum of Contemporary Art brings the inside out in a coat of creativity…

We’ll also be serving mulled wine on board to keep you warm and wobbly! And all this for just $75 per person…

Contact us now to book your space.

Check out Vivid Sydney here

Get your Mum some Chrysanthemums on Sunday

The tradition of gift giving for Mother’s Day began, according to Wikipedia, in 1924 when Janet Hayden, a resident of Leichardt, Sydney, visited the Newington State Home for Women where she met many lonely mothers. To cheer them up she rallied the local community, businesses and children to donate gifts and visit the forgotten mums.

It’s traditional to give Chrysanthemums to mums in Australia. This is because they’re in season in autumn… and they end in ‘mum’!

We think a fabulous way to spoil your mum on Sunday is to book a private day sail on beautiful Sydney Harbour. We’ll also treat her to a gift of flowers and a bottle of bubbly from SailCorp for you to enjoy together.

Contact us to book your Mother’s Day yacht charter with SailCorp.

Vivid Sydney is another of these events that transforms Sydney into a huge art installation using lights, colour, music and ideas.

Just imagine – sailing on a beautiful Sydney evening, watching the city skyline emerge from the dusk, the bridge lightning up… but the Opera House lights up with different colours and scenes and Sydney comes to life in colour!

Started four years ago, the festival is now the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Vivid Sydney - a celebration of light and colour

From the Vivid Sydney website:
Colouring the city with creativity and inspiration, Vivid Sydney highlights include the hugely popular immersive light installations and projections; performances from local and international musicians at Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House; and the new Vivid Ideas Exchange at the MCA featuring public talks and debates from leading global creative thinkers.

The light show features projected lights around Sydney, the most startling of which paints creative colour across the Sydney Opera House sails. Customs House, the Museum of Contemporary Art and many other buildings will be transformed into artistic displays.

Live music and idea events – featuring awards, advice, sharing and inspiration sessions, artist-led initiatives – will be hosted around Sydney as part of the festival.

There is no better place to witness the transformation of Sydney Harbour into an art installation that from the water with a professional skipper to guide you safely to the best vantage point.

Contact us for more information

Check out Vivid Sydney for more information.

With SailCorp Sydney Harbour Yacht Charters you can enjoy a beautiful day sailing in Sydney and be dropped-off at a lunch spot by your professional skipper.

In this Sydney Harbour yacht charter destination feature we take a look at what Watsons Bay has to offer as a sailing yacht charter destination.

About Watson’s Bay
Watsons Bay lies on the south shore of Sydney Harbour, just about on the tip of South Head. The bay was named after Robert Watson, a crew member of HMS Sirius of the First Fleet, as he had been required to beach three vessels at Camp Cove for many year’s as they were potentially to be sold. The bay was an isolated fishing village, considered to be Australia’s first fishing village, until development started in the 1860s.

The cliffs above Watsons Bay, called The Gap, have spectacular views out to the Tasman Sea (Pacific Ocean), across to North head and Manly and west across to Sydney city.

Things to do in Watsons Bay
A skippered yacht charter means you can be dropped-off on the dock and walk ashore to enjoy the sights and sounds and a bite to eat.

Watson’s Bay is known for Doyle’s Restaurant, a famous fish and chip eatery that has been serving it up since 1885 across five generations of family ownership. Australia’s first seafood restaurant, no less!

If you feel like a sit-down meal you can grab a table at their beachside restaurant or if you want to enjoy take-away onboard, Doyle’s on the Wharf will serve a fresh helping of your preferred catch the way it should be – wrapped in paper! /index.asp

Doyles was the first seafood restaurant in Australia - opened in 1855

Heading up the hill for a walk takes you either up to The Gap cliffs of South Head for some spectacular views, or heading south, you can learn a little bit of history in Gap Park.

South Head had several anti-aircraft emplacements as part of Sydney Harbour defences in WWII. Old gun mounts can be found up on the southern hill behind Watsons Bay.

On this path you will also find the anchor of the vessel Dunbar, tragically wrecked at the foot of The Gap on August 29, 1857 for the loss of 121 lives.

In bad visibility, the Dunbar had mistaken the bay at the foot of The Gap as the entrance to Sydney Harbour and was dashed against the rocks. The anchor was recovered in 1910 and was installed as a memorial at Watsons Bay in 1930.

There are also several heritage listed buildings in Watsons Bay and you can learn more on the Wikipedia page – click here

So the next time you are thinking about taking a yacht charter Sydney Harbour, add Watsons Bay to your list of destinations.

SailCorp Yacht Charters has another special Sunday Social Sailing day on Sydney Harbour planned for Sunday the May 6. We’re offering it for the excellent value rate of $75.00 per person – a sweet 20% off!

Our social sailing is designed to get people out on the water in a safe and sociable environment, letting everyone enjoy sailing Sydney Harbour from the most fabulous perspective – under canvas!

While aboard the charter yacht, you get to meet like-minded people, share your intrepid spirit, gets ‘hands on’, test your skipper’s local knowledge, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy. Aaah!

The day starts at 11.30am and involves going for a three hour sail on Sydney Harbour (returning 2.30pm) with a professional skipper on our Seawind 1000 catamaran. All you have to do is bring yourself, a hat, sunnies, something to drink and eat (if you like) and an appetite for adventure…

Alternatively, take advantage of another excellent SailCorp Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter offer…

Get a group of up to 20 people and take a private yacht charter on the same fantastic catamaran for four hours sailing for less than $50.00p/p*. The price covers the skipper, insurance, fuel and GST (skipper surcharge applies on public holidays).

After our cool wet summer, come and enjoy warm, dry & sunny winter sailing days on Sydney Harbour!

Social sailing at its best!

Cook’s log said the following (taken from Wikipedia):

“at noon we where…about 2 or 3 miles from the land and abrest of a bay or harbour within there appeared to be a safe anchorage which I called Port Jackson.”

James Cook is, of course, a well known gentleman. He ostensibly discovered the east coast of Australia (or was the first European to do so) as well as many of the Pacific islands amongst many notable discoveries in a distinguished (and arguably controversial) career.

Jackson was apparently a friend and patron of Cook, which may have had something to do with the naming… He was also later a member of parliament.

Have a safe weekend on Sydney Harbour with SaiCorp Yacht Charters

Still called Port Jackson, the ‘inlet’ is, of course, most commonly known as Sydney Harbour. And we all know what Sydney Harbour is best for… hiring a sail boat and going for a yacht charter to sail!

Dotted around the harbour are many islands (read about a day of island spotting here) and lots of tourist attractions – the most commonly know of which are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Charter a SailCorp yacht and go racing at the PIF regatta

If you’re not a sailor or don’t have access to a boat, charter boat rental is the way to go. At SailCorp you have a choice of yachts and can sail bareboat or on a skippered charter where the work is done for you by one of our professional captains.

In our Sydney Harbour yacht charter destinations segments, we focus on many of the places you can enjoy when sailing Sydney. This time we’re taking a look at Balmoral, a lovely part of Mosman on Sydney’s north shore.

By sea, Balmoral is found by heading west past Middle Head towards Middle Harbour. Protected form the occasional swell that powers in through Sydney heads, it features a pair of long, sandy beaches that are ideal for swimming and watersports.

Experience thrilling sailing on a SailCorp yacht charter in Sydney Harbour

Although generally know collectively as Balmoral Beach, there are actually two beaches at Balmoral: Balmoral Beach to the west and Edward’s Beach to the east; the outcrop of Rocky Point separates the two. From here one has views out to North Head, Manly and Clontarf.

Things to see at Balmoral, Sydney

The beauty of a sailing charter boat is that you can enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of sailing Sydney Harbour before lunch, then indulge in the tranquillity of swinging at anchor in a beautiful bay.

From your charter yacht you can go for a swim and maybe even make it ashore for a stroll along Balmoral Esplanade. Alternatively, if supplied with a dinghy, row ashore (and stay dry!).

Balmoral beach is listed on the Register of the National Estate as the Balmoral Beach Conservation Area. Along the beach are several interesting things to see including the Promenade, the Esplanade, the Rotunda and the Bathers Pavilion, some of which dates back to the 1930s.

Balmoral is also home some beautiful architecture and houses.

The eastern end of the beach also houses a naval hospital HMAS Penguin.

Things to do at Balmoral, Sydney

Aside from enjoying quiet time aboard your sailing yacht charter you can go swimming (there is a protected swimming area) or sunbathing on the beach.

There is a watersports centre on the western end of Balmoral Beach for sailboat hire and watersports hire and lessons.

And it wouldn’t be a top Sydney Harbour destination without a choice of restaurants and cafes. From fish and chips to fine dining, ice cream and coffee, Balmoral has some beautiful restaurants and boutique cafes.

Balmoral also holds many events through the year including Shakespeare by the Sea performances at the Rotunda and the Mudgee wine festival.

If you’d like to enjoy a sailing yacht charter to Balmoral Beach then please contact us to discuss an itinerary, yacht

It’s always a good idea to plan an itinerary of where to sail when you hire a yacht in Sydney Harbour. Whether bareboat yacht charter or skippered yacht charter, sailing around the islands of Sydney Harbour is a day of fun and facts.

To help make the most of the day, we have put together a short guide to each of the islands so you can impress your sailing crewmates with your harbour knowledge.

Shark Island

Called Shark Island because it is supposed to resemble the shape of a shark when viewed from above (although we think it looks more like a fat sea lion), the eastern-most island of the harbour was an animal quarantine station, naval storage depot and recreation reserve until 1975.

Located slightly to the north of Rose Bay, it presents a minor hazard to shipping due to hallow water around it but you will see many sailing yachts using marks just off the island for racing around the harbour.

Today it is a Sydney National Park reserve and has picnic areas, grassy stretches and a nice paddling beach. Ferry trips go from Circular Quay on weekends but the island can only accommodate up to 500 people at a time.

Just to the north of Shark Island is Shark Island Light, an active ‘pile lighthouse’ which was built in 1913.

Clark Island

Heading west into the harbour, the next island is named Clark Island and lies just to the north of Darling Point. Shark and Clark islands are often mixed-up – the way to remember which is which is to think of sharks out to sea, ‘clarks’ in the city.

Clark Island got its name from Lieutenant Ralph Clark of the First Fleet who cultivated it as a vegetable garden. The venture proved unfruitful (thank you!) as the vegetables kept being stolen.

Also now a Sydney National Park recreational reserve, the island has pathways and quiet spots, perfect for picnics. Limited to only 150 visitors at a time, ferry services take people out from Circular Quay (at such small numbers, probably worth booking).

Fort Denison

Between Clark Island and Sydney Harbour bridge lies Fort Denison. The fort is said to be the last Martello Tower to be built in the British Empire. Its original purpose was to defend against attack from the Russians during the Crimean War, although the fort wasn’t actually finished until 1857, after the war had ended.

Bizarrely, Fort Denison’s cannon couldn’t be adjusted for range or direction. This meant that an enemy ship entering the harbour would have to be particularly sporting by sailing to just the right place!

Originally named Rock Island when the First Fleet arrived, it was subsequently levelled and the extracted rock was used to create Bennelong Point where the Opera House now stands.

Fort Denison now features a small museum and is regularly used for events such as weddings and galas. You can sail around it next time you’re out on Sydney Harbour on a SailCorp yacht charter.

Goat Island

Heading west under the Harbour Bridge, the next island is Goat Island. Also part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, this island has a very colourful history.

Located just off Balmain and Miller’s Point, Goat Island has played many roles: convict stockade, explosives store, police station, fire station, boatyard and film set. It was first used for any purpose as far back as 1831 when it was quarried for sandstone. But this was halted soon after as it was argued that what was being quarried away was a good defensive position.

A water police station was set up on the island in the late 1830’s while the explosives storage was completed by 1839. More explosive storage depots were established over the next 30 years.

In the 1900’s the island became a station for the harbour master, the fireboat and also saw a shipyard established.

In 1995 the island part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and now received guests on tours of its colourful history.

There is so much more to know about this island that it’s worth taking a look at the Wikipedia entry on it here

Cockatoo Island

Finally your Sydney Harbour island tour yacht charter will bring you to Cockatoo Island, the largest island in the harbour.

Now managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation trust, the island was also added to the world heritage list in 2012.

Cockatoo Island also had various roles imposed upon it over the years including as a prison, industrial school, reformatory for girls and shipyard.

Cockatoo island was Sydney biggest dry-dock in its day, the first of which was built by convicts, completed in 1857. With two dry-docks in use, the island’s industrial application continued right up until 1992.

The island is served by a regular ferry, features a café and receives many visitors daily. It also often hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

Contact us to book your trip

The Blue in these names comes from a colourful character in Sydney’s colonial history – William ‘Billy’ Blue. Born in Jamaica around 1767, he eventually came to our North Sydney shores by various boats, you could say…

William 'Billy' Blue

Billy Blue arrived in Australia aboard the convict ship Minorca in 1801. He had been sentenced to seven years ‘transportation’ for stealing sugar in England in 1796 and, after arriving in Botany Bay, served out his remaining sentence aboard a prison hulk.

Upon release he was known to live in The Rocks where he met his wife Elizabeth Williams and he started a rowing boat service considered by many to be the original Sydney ferry.

He made his living ferrying passengers around the harbour and trading oysters and the like to provide for his growing family (he had six children).

He became a well known figure in Sydney Harbour due to his ‘amicable banter and eccentric nature’, so much so that Governor Macquarie appointed him as harbour watchman and constable. Although not well-paid roles, he was granted a house overlooking the harbour in the grounds of what would become Government House.

In 1817 further appreciation of his work resulted in Billy Blue and his heirs being awarded a plot of land at what was charmingly known as ‘Murdering Point’, later renamed as ‘Northampton Farm’. This area became known as Blue’s Point and was an excellent base for extending Billy’s ferry service – he later had 11 boats serving the harbour.

Blue's Point at the western head of Lavender Bay

One of Blue’s responsibilities was to watch for smugglers. He was later found to be transporting two casks of rum illegally, rum he claimed to have found in the harbour and was returning to shore, and was dismissed from his positions and sentenced to another year in prison.

On release he continued to run his ferry service with his eldest son. But over the years he became more eccentric and had a few more brushes with the law. Luckily for him it is claimed he was favoured by the next governor, Brisbane, who pardoned him for at least one crime.

William ‘Billy’ Blue died in 1834 in North Sydney. This colourful character lives on in the street and building names around Lavender Bay.

The Sydney Weekender gang came out to shoot our social sailing day. We had a great bunch of guests, the TV crew were awesome and we had the perfect weather.

Sydney Weekender - filming SailCorp's social sailing

The show will air some time in the winter and we’ll let you know when so you can see what the social sailing day is all about.

We had the lovely Felicity ‘Fliss’ Urquhart out with us to present the show and she had a great time with our guests as we got her involved in hoisting sails, steering the boat and enjoying a bit of relaxation aboard our Seawind 1000 catamaran.

Fraser with 'Fliss', our presenter

The day involved sailing Sydney Harbour from Lavender Bay to Atholl Bay, just below Taronga Zoo. Some of the gang went for a swim while we moored up for lunch.

We then sailed back past Fort Dennison, accompanied by one of our Bavaria 35 monohull charter yachts to showcase more of the yachts we charter in Sydney Harbour.

All-in-all a great time was had by everyone and it’s sure to come up well on the tellie!

Thanks to everyone that joined us for the day and we look forward to seeing the show and taking more guests for future Sydney Harbour social sailing days.