Two offshore legs over 60NM, meeting RYA Yachtmaster criteria for distance, day/night sailing, and leadership roles.
CategoryMile Builders
This two-day offshore sailing course from Sydney to Newcastle is designed for sailors working toward their RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. It enables participants to complete two RYA-qualifying offshore passages, each over 60NM, with the option of overnight sailing, all under the guidance of a qualified RYA instructor.
You’ll build skills in coastal navigation, night sailing, passage planning, watchkeeping, and skippering in real-world conditions. The itinerary includes entry into two commercial ports—Sydney Harbour and Newcastle—providing valuable practice in harbour navigation and VHF communication protocols.
With rotating leadership roles such as skipper and watch leader, this course offers a structured, hands-on training environment aligned with RYA certification requirements. It’s ideal whether you’re logging qualifying passages, preparing for assessment, or simply aiming to increase your offshore competence along one of Australia’s most recognisable coastal routes.
This two-day offshore sailing course from Sydney to Newcastle is designed for sailors working toward their RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. It enables participants to complete two RYA-qualifying offshore passages, each over 60NM, with the option of overnight sailing, all under the guidance of a qualified RYA instructor.
You’ll build skills in coastal navigation, night sailing, passage planning, watchkeeping, and skippering in real-world conditions. The itinerary includes entry into two commercial ports—Sydney Harbour and Newcastle—providing valuable practice in harbour navigation and VHF communication protocols.
With rotating leadership roles such as skipper and watch leader, this course offers a structured, hands-on training environment aligned with RYA certification requirements. It’s ideal whether you’re logging qualifying passages, preparing for assessment, or simply aiming to increase your offshore competence along one of Australia’s most recognisable coastal routes.
The round trip between Sydney and Newcastle covers approximately 130NM split into two offshore legs—each over 60NM and meeting RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying passage criteria.
Leg 1 – Sydney to Newcastle (~65NM)
Departing from Lavender Bay, the yacht exits through Sydney Heads and tracks north past Long Reef, Barrenjoey Headland, Broken Bay, Norah Head, and down the coastline to Newcastle Harbour—a busy commercial port. Depending on tides and departure time, this leg may be completed as a full-day sail or as an overnight passage. Newcastle entry requires coordination with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), offering valuable training in commercial port pilotage, VHF communication, and navigation under lights if arriving after dark.
Stopover in Newcastle
Once alongside—usually at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club or Queens Wharf—the crew logs the passage, debriefs, and rests overnight onboard. Time is set aside to go ashore, rotate crew roles, and prepare for the return journey.
Leg 2 – Newcastle to Sydney (~65NM)
The return leg typically starts the following morning or in the evening, depending on weather and tide. This passage allows for new conditions and a different timing for waypoints. If run overnight, crew will maintain continuous watch systems, applying night navigation skills throughout.
Across both legs, participants helm under sail and power, track positions using paper charts and GPS, keep detailed log entries, and rotate through skipper, watch leader, and navigator roles. These passages are ideal for developing passage planning skills, applying COLREGS, and gaining confidence in both daylight and night offshore sailing.
Two offshore legs over 60NM, meeting RYA Yachtmaster criteria for distance, day/night sailing, and leadership roles.
Use paper charts, GPS, and radar to plot positions, plan courses, and navigate effectively.
Prepare routes factoring tides, weather, fuel, crew readiness, and safety.
Helm confidently after dark using navigation lights, compass bearings, AIS, and radar.
Rotate as skipper and watch leader, practising decision-making under real passage conditions.
Steer under sail and power, manage trim, reefing, and balance in varying conditions.
Maintain accurate log entries and fix positions via visual bearings, dead reckoning, and electronics.
Execute safe pilotage at Newcastle and Sydney, including VHF comms and traffic awareness.
Work within structured watch patterns, managing fatigue and situational awareness.
Operate radar, AIS, and chartplotters to track vessel movements.
Improve clarity with crew and authorities, including VTS.
Please note: All mile-building trips are subject to weather and sea conditions. Routes, departure times, or destinations may be adjusted to ensure safe completion.
This two-day Sydney to Newcastle and return passage is designed specifically for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore candidates. It offers the opportunity to complete two qualifying offshore passages over 60NM, with the option to include overnight sailing if scheduled, fulfilling a key RYA exam prerequisite.
Departing Sydney Harbour, the yacht heads north along the New South Wales coastline past Long Reef, Barrenjoey, and Bouddi National Park before entering Newcastle Harbour. This first leg offers a blend of offshore navigation, coastal pilotage, sail handling, and structured watchkeeping. Crew rotate through helm, navigation, and leadership duties, using paper and electronic navigation systems, AIS, radar, and VHF communications.
Overnight accommodation is onboard in shared berths, with hot-bunking during any night legs. Facilities include a full galley and enclosed bathroom. For longer layovers, participants may choose to book local accommodation ashore.
The return leg mirrors the distance southbound, potentially as a night sail, allowing participants to gain overnight experience and approach Sydney Harbour under traffic-managed conditions.
Under the guidance of a qualified RYA instructor, this trip builds confidence, skill, and sea miles in a supportive but realistic offshore environment. With over 130NM of sailing, commercial port entry, and real-time decision-making, it’s an efficient and valuable addition to any Yachtmaster preparation plan.
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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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