Plot the Gold Coast–Whitsundays route using weather, tides, and port strategies.
CategoryMile Builders
Please note: All RYA mile building trips are subject to change based on weather and sea conditions. Forecasts are monitored continuously and departure times, routes, or stopovers may be adjusted for safety.
The Sydney to Gold Coast passage is a challenging and rewarding mile builder, covering more than 470NM of coastline. It features three major offshore legs—Sydney to Port Stephens, Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour, and Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast—each over 60NM and designed to meet RYA qualifying passage requirements.
Sailors will experience overnight sailing, coastal navigation, and offshore passage management under real-world conditions. Two to four nights will be spent at sea, with rest days after each leg for recovery, debriefing, and planning.
Participants rotate through helm, navigator, watch leader, and deck crew roles under the guidance of a qualified RYA instructor. Training covers passage planning, night navigation, radar and AIS operation, VHF communication, fatigue management, and pilotage into commercial ports.
Accommodation is onboard in shared berths, with hot bunking during active passages. Marina stops offer access to shore facilities, and crew may book local accommodation during layovers if preferred. All meals are prepared onboard, with galley duties rotated among participants.
This trip is ideal for anyone seeking RYA qualifying passages, offshore sailing experience, or a structured environment to refine leadership, navigation, and seamanship skills. With its mix of challenging legs, professional instruction, and recovery days, it is one of the most complete RYA training experiences on Australia’s east coast.
This introductory course is tailored for those new to sail cruising. Over two days or broken up into smaller sessions, participants will learn the basics of steering a yacht, handling sails, working with ropes, and maintaining onboard safety.
The RYA Start Yachting certificate can be used to count towards an RYA Competent Crew certificate.
The student need only finish three more days or two weekends of the Competent Crew course to be issued the RYA Competent Crew Certificate.
The journey begins at the Gold Coast, with departure carefully timed around the tide for safe transit through the Southport Seaway. Once clear, the yacht heads north into the Coral Sea, settling into an offshore watch rhythm as the coastline fades astern.
First Leg – Gold Coast to Bundaberg (Burnett Heads)
Approximately 180–200NM, this leg usually involves 1–2 nights at sea. It introduces night navigation, watchkeeping, helming under reduced visibility, and fatigue management. Crew rotate through helm, lookout, and navigation roles while establishing rest and meal routines. Timing the arrival with the tide is essential for a safe port entry.
Second Leg – Bundaberg to Rosslyn Bay (Yeppoon) or Mackay
Covering 150–180NM, this leg brings day-to-night transitions, tropical squall navigation, and changing swell conditions. There’s generally less shipping traffic, but increased navigational awareness is needed around reefs, shoals, and coastal headlands.
Final Leg – Mackay/Yeppoon to Hamilton Island
A shorter but more technically demanding 60–80NM run through the Whitsunday Islands. This requires precise pilotage, visual fixes, and clear crew communication to navigate channels and reef systems. Arrival is planned for daylight and favourable tide to ensure a smooth marina entry.
Throughout the passage, the yacht operates on a rotating watch system, with all crew participating in navigation, helming, safety checks, and galley duty. Daily briefings, post-passage reviews, and leadership role rotations ensure that each sailor builds confidence and competence as the trip progresses.
Plot the Gold Coast–Whitsundays route using weather, tides, and port strategies.
Helm, navigate, and manage collision avoidance at night and in reduced visibility.
Apply paper chartwork, GPS, AIS, radar, and visual cues to maintain accurate positioning.
Operate within structured rotations, balancing rest and responsibilities.
Anticipate squalls, shifting winds, and other tropical patterns.
Execute safe arrivals and departures in complex ports and marinas.
Lead watches and manage navigation, safety, and communication offshore.
Maintain hourly logs, position reports, and analyse each leg post-sailing.
Practise MOB recovery, VHF operation, and onboard safety systems.
Complete multiple 60NM+ overnight legs meeting RYA requirements.
This Gold Coast to Hamilton Island offshore training passage offers a rare blend of professional development and scenic adventure. Spanning over 600NM, it is ideally suited for those working toward their RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence or seeking to deepen their offshore sailing capability.
The route is structured into four long-distance legs—each over 60NM—ensuring multiple RYA-qualifying passages. Conditions vary from open ocean swells and remote coastlines to reef-fringed tropical waters, providing a broad skill-building environment. Ports of call typically include Bundaberg, Rosslyn Bay (Yeppoon), Mackay, and Hamilton Island, with exact stops determined by weather, tides, and training objectives.
Under the guidance of an experienced offshore skipper or RYA instructor, participants rotate through helm, navigator, trimmer, watch leader, and galley roles. Training covers passage planning, tropical weather routing, radar and AIS use, chart plotting, pilotage, and emergency drills.
The trip also exposes crew to a range of entry and exit challenges—from tidal bar crossings to pilotage among island chains—building the practical judgment needed for real-world offshore decision-making. Life onboard is immersive: shared berths, hot bunking during active legs, all meals prepared on rotation, and 24-hour vessel operation under a structured watch system.
Whether you are preparing for assessment, logging essential sea miles, or simply seeking a memorable sailing challenge, this passage offers a complete offshore experience. It concludes in the Whitsundays—Australia’s premier sailing destination—offering both a professional milestone and a spectacular end to your voyage.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
While no formal qualifications are required we suggest a minimum of intermediate sailing experience. You will need to take part in sailing the boat as a team so hands on experience is required.
Let us know how we can help you, simply fill out the details below.
Please fill out the form below to receive price details
Let us know how we can help you, simply fill out the details below.
You're Here - Gold Coast to Hamilton Island
