Southern Cross Yachting offers offshore sail training courses and mile builders to coastal destinations from Brisbane, Yeppoon/Keppel Islands, the Whitsunday Islands, Lord Howe Island and many other destinations along the East Coast of Australia.

These voyages are ideal qualifying passages for Yachtmaster exams or simply gaining experience offshore with an experienced instructor.  Depending upon the voyage timeline, there will be night sailing opportunities as well as evenings in marinas or at anchor.

As with any offshore sailing trip, destinations are weather dependent and alternative stopovers or routes may be chosen to suit weather conditions, sea state etc. As a participant in the crew for the trip you will be involved in preparing meals and keeping the vessel clean during the trip.

If your dream is to cruise the Queensland coast or beyond this is a great opportunity to experience offshore sailing and help prepare for your own voyages in the future.

Dates for 2026:

  • Airlie Beach to Manly, Brisbane – 7-13 Oct OR 10-17 Oct (7-day experience)

If you are planning to use the passage to complete a RYA qualification, please consult with our office team at the time of booking.

Please note: All Coastal Passage departure dates, arrival dates and destinations are subject to change due to weather, sea state and operational requirements. The dates and voyages listed are to be used as a guide only, however we will always endeavour to keep passages within the specified booking where safely possible. The safety of the vessel, students and instructor is paramount at all times. SCY recommends all students purchase flexible or refundable flights, accommodation and travel arrangements, as SCY accepts no liability for costs incurred due to schedule or location changes.

course location

East Coast of Australia

Ongoing

The following are some of the training areas covered on these offshore trips:

  • Passage planning
  • Watch keeping and crew organisation
  • Preparation for sea and safety checks
  • Practicing pilotage and navigation skills
  • Adverse conditions and managing the yacht in heavy weather
  • Choosing sails and reefing
  • Spinnaker sailing in suitable conditions
  • Helming offshore
  • Night passages
  • Emergency situations

  • Previous Experience

    No experience required, although it is recommended to complete RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship theory prior to attending our offshore passages.

  • Course Duration

    5-7 days depending on the voyage

  • Certificate Upon Completion

    Many of our certificates can be achieved during our mile-builder passages, for more information please talk to our friendly staff.
    RYA Competent Crew
    RYA Day Skipper
    RYA Coastal Skipper

An incredible adventure! The experienced owners Carly & Jamie of SCY were fantastic in booking & organising, the instructor was incredibly knowledgeable & professional, and the boat was amazing. Can’t rate Southern Cross Yachting highly enough- I’m already planning my next lesson
Jemma - July 2023 
Jemma - July 2023

Massive thank you to Jamie and all the staff and other instructors at Southern Cross Yachting! 10/10 experience from booking to sailing to instruction to food whilst onboard.
Absolutely one of the best things I’ve ever done and now I’m addicted to sailing!

Alex 
Alex

A great place to learn all things about sailing, experienced Captains who are only to happy to answer any and all questions, a great experience,

Michael MacCormack 2021
Michael MacCormack

Well organized with a wonderful team and instructors. Completed my Comp Crew and looking forward to doing the Day skipper next.

N Dashti 2020
N Dashti

We were lucky enough to spend a day with Jamie on Moreton bay and can’t speak highly enough about it. Three of us with varied previous experience of sailing joined with a father and son to share in a day of learning the ropes. The day was tailored to our varied needs and at all times we were able to ask questions and glean experience from Jamie’s wealth of knowledge. We would highly recommend signing up for a course if you’re interested in getting back on the water after a hiatus. Thanks so much guys! It was a priceless day!

Maria Bukala 2021
Maria Bukala
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