Sydney Harbour sailing: Hands-on yacht experience from Manly
Take the helm of a sailing yacht, or watch the city glide past
A hands-on sailing experience on the 61ft yacht Southwinds departing from Manly, where you help set the sails and steer the boat past Sydney's iconic landmarks, or simply relax and take in the views. The skipper guides you through the harbour as far north as Manly before returning to Barangaroo, passing the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge with uninterrupted views of waterfront mansions.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sailing and sightseeing on Sydney Harbour
- Board yacht via powerboat tender
- Help set sails and steer boat
- Cruise past waterfront mansions
- View Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- Pass under Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Sail north towards Manly if wind allows
- Return to Barangaroo
What’s included
- A professional skipper and crew.
- powerboat tender transport from Manly Sailing to Southwinds.
- hands-on instruction in setting sails and steering the yacht.
Times
- Thursday and Friday 10:00 13:00
- Saturday 10:00
Before you book
Operated by Manly Sailing Pty Ltd
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Can you actually steer a yacht on Sydney Harbour, or do you just watch? On Southwinds, you choose. A powerboat tender picks you up from Manly Sailing and takes you out to the 61ft classic yacht waiting in the bay. Once aboard, the skipper (friendly and experienced), shows you how to help set the sails and take the wheel, or you can step back and let the crew handle it while you take in the views. No sailing experience is necessary, and the choice is entirely yours how much or how little you get involved.
The route sails north up the harbour as far as Manly if wind allows, then returns to Barangaroo. You'll pass directly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and cruise past the Sydney Opera House, with uninterrupted views of the multi-million dollar waterfront mansions along the way. The whole experience runs about two and a half hours on the water.
Getting on and off Southwinds involves a few steps up and down via the tender, which is worth knowing before you book. A live English-speaking guide is with you throughout, and children from age 2 can come along as long as they're with an adult. Food and drinks aren't included, so plan accordingly if you want refreshments during the sail.
Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to actively sail the boat yourself and learn how it works, or if you'd rather relax and let the crew manage everything while you watch Sydney Harbour pass by. Either way, you're on the water with the same views and the same skipper. The difference is whether you take the wheel or leave it to them.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What do I actually do on this sailing experience? Do I need to know how to sail?
You help set the sails and steer Southwinds if you want to, or you can sit back and let the skipper and crew handle it all. No sailing experience is necessary, and you decide how involved you get. The skipper teaches you as you go.
Does the boat pass close enough to see the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge clearly?
Yes. Southwinds sails directly under the Harbour Bridge and cruises past the Opera House with uninterrupted views, along with the waterfront mansions on either side of the harbour.
How do I get onto the yacht from Manly?
A powerboat tender picks you up from Manly Sailing and takes you out to Southwinds in the bay. Boarding involves a few steps up and down, so it's worth considering if you have mobility concerns.
How long does the whole experience take?
The sail lasts about two and a half hours on the water, sailing north up the harbour as far as Manly if wind allows, then returning to Barangaroo.
Sydney Harbour sailing: Hands-on yacht experience from Manly
2h 30m · EN
from AU$ 225 per person
≈ US$ 160 in your currency
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