Your journey begins at Hamilton Island Marina, set in the heart of the Whitsundays. Following safety briefings, provisioning, and yacht orientation, the crew navigates through reef-lined channels and tidal waters—ideal for practising real-world pilotage under instructor supervision.

Once clear of the islands, the vessel shifts to a 24-hour offshore routine, with watch rotations typically in 3–4 hour shifts. Duties include helming, navigation support, lookout, trimming, galley work, and system checks. The first long leg often heads for Mackay or Rosslyn Bay, giving the crew time to adapt to life at sea.

From there, the passage continues south via 150–220NM legs, with stopovers in ports such as Bundaberg, Mooloolaba, or Fraser Island anchorages (weather permitting). You’ll gain experience in open-ocean conditions, bar entrances, and downwind sailing—often in southeast trade winds with following seas.

Longer legs incorporate radar and AIS navigation, night helming by compass, identifying vessel lights, and managing fatigue. These night watches are crucial confidence-building exercises. As you head south, conditions transition from warm trade winds to the cooler, changeable systems of New South Wales, adding variety to the sailing challenges.

A highlight is the longer run to Coffs Harbour, testing endurance and navigation precision. The final approach to Sydney typically involves a night sail, timing entry at Sydney Heads for morning light and tide—a fittingly dramatic conclusion to the voyage.

At each port, structured layovers include debriefs, passage reviews, and preparation for the next leg. Trainees progressively take on leadership responsibilities, building toward Yachtmaster Offshore expectations.