This warm water classic is a Flying Fish favourite. It is the perfect time of the year to be sailing in Sydney.
For anyone who doesn't have a sea survival qualification the programme begins with a two day Yachting Australia sea survival course, which is a requirement of the race.
After the weekend we move on to three days of training in spinnaker handling and racing tactics. We take four days off to celebrate Christmas on the beach then it's back to the drawing board for two more days of race training and yacht preparation. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are off so that everyone enjoys the spectacle that welcomes the New Year in Sydney.
We are up early on 2nd January to get to the start of the race off Palm Beach. The offshore race is a 226 nautical mile dash heading north along the New South Wales coastline. The scenery is superb and the navigation is a challenge.
On arrival in Coffs Harbour we are warmly welcomed with beer and bananas! The marina sits alongside a fabulous surf beach and the apres race party is always lively.
The Coffs began in 1981 as the 'warm water' alternative to the Sydney Hobart Race. It is a challenging race for anyone looking for keen competition, and a must if you want to race offshore.
With nearly 200 yachts taking part, the heat is on. Flying Fish enters its Beneteau 40.7s for this event, sparking much friendly rivalry amongst the crews as they battle for the best place overall.
The event finishes in Coffs Harbour, from where you can either return to Sydney (bus fare AUD 50) or continue your travels.
If you go back to Sydney straight after the course, we can look after your belongings in our Manly storage unit.
What you get
Spinnaker handling course Some great racing! YA Safety & Sea Survival RYA qualifying passage(s)
Before you start
A racing background is not required but you should have some previous experience sailing offshore and consider yourself a useful crew member
Competitors must be members of a club affiliated to Yachting Australia. On arrival in Sydney most Flying Fish candidates comply with this requirement by joining Yachting Australia as Club Crew Members at a cost of approximately AUD 80
What next
Check out our other race events: Cowes Week, Round the Island and the Fastnet in the UK; Sydney Hobart, the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta and Hamilton Island Race Week in Australia
Included in the price
Standard, self-catering accommodation ashore in Manly until the race starts
