Sydney To Do

The Jeanneau 40 is a great vessel for cruising Sydney Harbour. But many a time, clients are not sure whether to take this magnificent model out for a bareboat charter or a skippered yacht charter! You will be pleased to know that Jeanneau 40 is one of the few yachts on the Harbour that can host both a bareboat sailing experience and a skippered yacht charter!

Sailing

One of the reasons Jeanneau 40 is a great choice for both bareboat charter and skippered yacht charter options is the expertise required in sailing the vessel. The designers used sailing modern technology that is much easier to handle. Indeed, anyone looking for a bareboat sailing experience must have the required licenses. Whether you have sailed for years on end, or for just a while, you will find that the yacht is very easy to sail. The same goes for the skippered yacht charter.

On-board features

The on-board features the yacht brags of are perfect for both skippered yacht charter and bareboat charter options. For instance, the galley is well fitted. A five star chef can work perfectly in the galley, producing tasty and delicious meals for guests in a skippered yacht charter that allows for crew members. On the other hand, if on a bareboat sailing adventure, you will still have access to the galley, to prepare your meals as you see fit.

Space

The Jeanneau 40 is also very spacious. The upside of this for a skippered yacht charter is that the yacht is quite roomy and there's no need for an additional deckhand! You can sit back and relax on the expansive deck or gather around the cockpit and enjoy some nibblies. In a bareboat charter, you will enjoy all this space to yourself. Guest numbers are still limited to 11 for each charter however, you will have the yacht to yourself to explore Sydney Harbour on your own terms. Click HERE if you would like to see all of our bareboat charter packages.

Our Jeanneau 40 is without a doubt a great choice for a charter yacht. The best part is that you can have your choice of either a bareboat charter and skippered yacht charter experience on the boat!

Any person looking to cruise around Sydney debates, at some point, on whether to take up a skippered yacht charter or a bareboat charter. If you are reading this, you probably have asked yourself which is best suited for you. Indeed, in order to fully enjoy your cruises, you have to understand that the best type of sailing depends entirely on you. Here are a couple of things you should think about when making your choice:

1. Sailing Experience

The first thing you have to cross off the list is your sailing experience. If you know how to sail and can handle yourself well on the water, then you can consider taking up bareboat sailing. With bareboat sailing, you will have the yacht all to yourself. It is important that you are able to cruise through different weather conditions on your own. On the other hand, if you have little or no experience, then do take up the skippered sailing offer. In skippered sailing, a professional skipper will take care of the navigation and handling of the yacht.

If you are a tourist visiting Sydney, you do not necessarily have to have a license. It helps, but a demonstration of your skills is more important.

2. Local Knowledge

Another factor that will be considered if you are looking at bareboat sailing is your local knowledge of the Harbour. There are a few reefs in the Harbour and some well-known treacherous spots. It is important that you are aware of these spots to avoid running aground. After all, your aim is to enjoy yourself. If you are not confident with your local knowledge then you’re probably better off taking up the skippered sailing package.

3. Type of Event/Cruise

The type of cruise you are looking into will also determine whether you should take up the skippered sailing or bareboat sailing offers. If you are having a big event, then skippered sailing is your best bet as the crew will help you with your guests. If you are having an event with a few family and friends, then you can take up bareboat sailing. The seawind 1000 for example can host up to 20 guests on a skippered charter however, is limited to 12 guests on a bareboat charter.

4. Time

The duration of the boat hire is also very important to consider. You would prefer bareboat sailing if your cruise is long. For overnight and extended charters for example, it would be impractical to have a skipper on board. On the other hand, in order to completely enjoy a short cruise, consider taking up the skippered sailing offer. If you are only looking at being out on the water for 4-8 hours, then the skippered sailing packages will give you the freedom to sit back, relax and enjoy everything that Sydney has to offer!

Another option you may want to consider is a private cruise on a luxury yacht or catamaran. Agents such as Any Boat and Luxury Boat Hire specialise in private Harbour cruises.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lavender Bay doesn’t feature on the front cover of the Trafalgar Tours brochures on Sydney or on Captain Cook’s itinerary and we like it that way, it’s our little Sydney secret. There are so many hidden gems in Lavender Bay that makes it a gorgeous place to visit for tourists new the country, visitors coming from other states or even Sydney locals.

We thought we’d share a little bit of history and some of the cool things we love about Lavender Bay that make it a ‘must see’ Sydney destination that is also off the beaten track.

Let’s start with THOSE harbour views, a bird’s eye view to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Luna Park (which is right on our doorstep) as well as Circular Quay. All of these views away from the crowds and through the gorgeous old Morten Bay figs, Jacaranda trees and across the bows of the yachts who call our bay home. It seems we aren’t the first to notice, with artists and photographers standing at the head of Lavender Bay looking across the harbour to capture the spectacular views since the colonisation of Australia.

Lavender Bay has café culture in spades. Some of Sydney’s best cafes are located in our village and we can personally vouch for the quality of the coffee – best coffee in Sydney! Great food and amazing views are just a bonus. Take a break from your exploring and enjoy a gourmet pit stop under the market umbrellas. Sails Lavender Bay has to have one of the best Sydney Harbour views of any restaurant in town, with diners able to enjoy a delicious feast with 180 degree views of Sydney Harbour.

Another of our favourites is the Blues Point Hotel which has a lovely little view from the back room and a slightly genteel feel to it. A morning coffee stop at the Indulgent Sage (in front of the Lavender Bay Community Centre) is a must, it has good coffee and is a great space. A favourite amongst the locals is Piato restaurant which is next door to the post office and has a great Mediterranean feel to it. For a quieter spot (also good for a casual meeting ) try Olivo restaurant and café. Also worth a mention is Harbourside Indian at the top of the stairs above Wendy’s Secret Garden, the recently opened Moorish Blue and The Point Deli which has great wraps, sweet treats as well as good coffee.

Wendy Whiteley’s “Secret Garden”, one of those Sydney hidden gems, is nestled between Clark Park on Lavender Street. Picture this, secluded paths, benches under shady trees, sculptures, native flowers and old Moreton Bay figs all against a backdrop of the spectacular harbour with uninterrupted views of the harbour bridge. Us locals affectionately call it “Wendy’s Secret Garden” but there is free access to the public all year round.

We also have one of Sydney’s iconic attractions on our doorstep at North Sydney – Luna Park …. need we say anymore? Everyone knows its huge laughing face and Sydneysiders and visitors alike have been enjoying the most scenic fun park in the world for over 80 years. Nothing beats the sky high views of the harbour bridge riding on the ferris wheel at Luna Park! Of course the perfect end to a perfect day at Luna Park would be a chilled glass of wine or beer at the Deck Bar, again with 180 degree harbour views!

North Sydney Olympic pool might not be in as many brochures as Luna Park, but as its next door neighbour has the same amazing views. With an entry price of only $7.30 it is one of the best places to swim in Sydney. The stunning art deco-styled outdoor pool was built on part of the Dorman Long workshops site following the completion of the Harbour Bridge. The pool opened 4 April 1936 and hosted the swimming and diving events for the 1938 Empire Games. In all 86 world records have been set at the pool since its opening. You really could spend a whole day enjoying the view languishing by the pool and then pop up the road to one of the many Lavender Bay cafes for lunch.

Lavender Bay is noted for its historic character, boasting many fine examples of largely intact mid-19th and early 20th century buildings. All of this of course to be enjoyed in a village atmosphere with outdoor cafes, galleries and small specialty shops. Council has a guided walking tour that you can do independently, download the suggested route here.
Make sure you include Lavender Bay on your next visit to Sydney, it really is one of Sydney’s hidden gems. And don’t forget once you have explored our gorgeous village, to hop on down to Sailcorp and enjoy a leisurely sail around the rest of the harbour.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sydney is known for it’s great food, outdoor dining locations and a great range of cuisine but with the addition of Good Food Month, October is filled with even more options. Here is a our list of some of the great things to experience around Sydney this October. Night Noodle Markets. With all the colour, sounds and smells of an Asian hawker market plus the buzz, hype and vibe of a huge outdoor festival, their are over 50 food stalls across Hyde Park at the Night Noodle Markets.

Open everyday from 5 to 9 in Hyde Park – entry is free.

Centennial Parklands Dining – Gather your friends and family for a picnic in the park, without the pre-picnic madness. Grab a picnic hamper to share between. 1 Grand Drive, Centennial Parklands, Oct 25; 10:00am – 03:00pm, $28 (2 people); $48 (4 people); $63 (6 people)

Looking for something a little upmarket.. ARIA Smoked, Head chef Ben Turner incorporates different smoking techniques from around the world into four smoke-inspired courses, all matched to wines, with canapés and a cocktail to start. 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney, Oct 27; 06:30pm – 10:30pm, $180

Finish the evening with Wine & Cheese with a view, for a perfect ending to a meal or the day, ride up to the Supper Club and unwind over a glass of wine and locally sourced cheese with all the trimmings. Twinkling night lights come for free. Level 31, InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, 21-24, 28-31; 09:00pm – 01:00am, $45

So many options and excuses to get out and explore the great tastes of Sydney http://sydney.goodfoodmonth.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]