Complete three long-distance legs over 60NM in genuine offshore conditions.
CategoryMile Builders
This extended offshore passage from Sydney to the Gold Coast is a professionally structured RYA mile builder, tailored for sailors working toward their RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
Over 7–9 days, you’ll sail more than 470 nautical miles along Australia’s east coast, stopping at Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, and Southport. The itinerary features three long offshore legs—each exceeding 60NM—2 to 4 nights at sea, and continuous watch systems.
You’ll rotate through key onboard roles such as helm, navigator, and watch leader while developing advanced skills in passage planning, coastal navigation, and fatigue management. Each major leg is followed by a rest day for recovery, debriefing, and preparation for the next stage. Accommodation is onboard in shared berths, with hot bunking during passage and marina facilities at each stop.
Led by a qualified RYA instructor, this trip provides both the practical experience and structured learning environment needed to progress confidently toward Yachtmaster Offshore certification.
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 total route is 430–500NM depending on weather and routing, completed over three offshore legs and three scheduled rest days.
First Leg – Sydney to Port Stephens (~85NM)
Departing Lavender Bay via Sydney Heads, this leg takes 15–18 hours and is run either as a long day passage or an overnight sail. The approach into Port Stephens is well-marked, leading into the sheltered waters of Nelson Bay. After securing the yacht, the crew rests overnight before a layover day for debriefing and planning the next leg.
Second Leg – Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour (~160NM)
The longest segment, typically 28–36 hours and often involving two nights at sea. The route passes Crowdy Head and Smoky Cape, with few shelter options—making it a true offshore experience. On arrival in Coffs Harbour, the yacht berths in the protected marina for a full rest and review day.
Third Leg – Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast (~150NM)
A 26–32 hour passage past Yamba and Ballina, usually bypassing these bar harbours unless conditions are ideal. The Southport Seaway entrance requires careful timing for tide, swell, and traffic. The trip concludes at a Gold Coast marina, followed by a final rest and debrief day.
This structure offers a balanced rhythm of sailing, recovery, and structured learning—exposing participants to multiple nights at sea, coastal navigation, port entry, and varying offshore conditions.
Complete three long-distance legs over 60NM in genuine offshore conditions.
Manage helm, navigation, and crew operations during 2–4 nights at sea.
Operate within a multi-day rotating watch system to maintain safety and efficiency.
Plan coastal routes using tides, weather, waypoints, and safe harbour options.
Enter ports such as Sydney, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, and Southport using pilotage techniques, radar, AIS, and VHF.
Use paper charts, GPS, radar overlays, and AIS to maintain accurate navigation records.
Adapt sail trim, reefing, and helming to changing sea states and tides.
Develop decision-making and communication skills as helm, watch leader, and navigator.
Maintain crew welfare through rest planning, hydration, and safety checks.
Log multiple RYA-qualifying passages and practise exam-relevant skills.
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.
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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.
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