Rally Overview
Choice of Dates
The task of setting the dates for the ICOYC Biennial Rally had some headwinds. Once Sandringham Yacht Club set the dates for the 2027 Forum (commencing November 15th) RSYS had to come up with a workable solution to run this associated event as November is not a suitable time for a Rally in Sydney.
It was therefore decided to start the 2027 Rally on Wednesday 7th April and incorporate a ‘Sydney Harbour Experience’ …… prior to sailing 15 nautical miles north to the magnificent Pittwater area, on Saturday 10th April.
The Pittwater region incorporating the spectacular Cowan Creek is a National Park and remains untouched since Captain Cook charted the East Coast of Australia in 1770. This area is only one hour’s drive north of a city of 5 million people …… it is quite amazing.
The Sydney Harbour Experience
During the first three days (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) there will be opportunities to explore our magnificent harbour from the water, visit the world renowned Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, walk the Harbour Bridge (often referred to as the ‘giant coat hanger’) and discover the early part of Sydney dating back to the 1780’s.
The opportunities for visiting this modern city are endless and will be introduced to you. If you have never visited Sydney, April is the perfect time of the year to do so. Further information on these and other sightseeing activities will be shared once your registration has been received.
The Pittwater Region
Pittwater is the southern gateway to the greater Broken Bay and Hawkesbury River system, including Cowan Creek and the waterways of Kuring-gai Chase National Park. Together these sheltered waterways form one of Australia’s premier cruising grounds. This area is essentially a National Park where regulations have prevented development and has been confined to the fringes of the area.
The developed area is known as the ‘Northern Beaches’. Beautiful sandy beaches stretch all the way along the coast line from Sydney Harbour. We will sail past these lightly populated beaches on our cruise north.
Pittwater, Broken Bay and Cowan Creek offer spectacular cruising grounds which extend for many miles inland from the sea. When anchored in one of the bays of the area it is as if we have stepped
back in time, as there is no sign of habitation! This is the magic of the area.
There are literally hundreds of these bays to choose from and we will be experiencing some of these during our six days in the Pittwater region. On Sunday 11th April, we are planning a visit to Coasters Retreat (The Basin) and go ashore to do an easy bush walk to experience the local flora and fauna ……. wallabies, goannas, bird life, etcThat day will conclude with us all gathering for a good old fashioned ‘Aussie BBQ’ …… before heading to Refuge Bay for a raft up, where we will join the RSYS Annual Cruise for some yacht racing and socialising.
Weather Conditions
Autumn (the Fall) is undoubtedly the most outstanding time of the year to visit our city. The temperature is stable and ranges from 15 to 25 degrees centigrade (59F-77F) each day. The humidity of February has passed, leaving us with beautiful comfortable conditions. Occasional days of rain may occur but they pass quickly allowing for great boating weather. Generally breezes are light with the occasional heavy ‘southerly’ but once again it will only last for a day.
Itinerary
A spectacular coastal journey through Sydney’s iconic harbour and the natural beauty of Pittwater.
*Participants are advised that weather conditions may require some events to be changed if deemed necessary by the organising clubs.
Sydney Harbour Charter
Unfortunately, because of limitations and the lack of charter boats available, we cannot offer chartering options for the Sydney Harbour section of the Rally. All participants will be assigned to RSYS and RPAYC members’ boats for day trips.
Pittwater Charter
Saturday 10th April to Friday 16th April
ICOYC guests may wish to experience this magnificent waterway on their own charter boat (motor boats).
To arrange a charter please refer to the Charter Companies direct. Church Point Charter , Skipper a Clipper and All Sail for details and costs.
Church Point Charter (telephone +61 411 877 116) is located in Newport within a 20-minute walk from RPAYC. There is an adjacent long term car park. Josh can arrange linen and provisioning at charterers’ cost.
Skipper a Clipper (telephone +61 435 067 245) is at Gibsons Marina Bayview with street parking available. This is a 15 min drive from RPAYC.
All Sail (telephone +61 2 9979 6266) is located at Church Point ferry wharf. All Sail is a 20-minute drive from RPAYC.
Should you wish to proceed with your own boat hire it will be necessary that you request an onboard linen service. Linen and provisioning will be at charterers’ cost.
Food and beverage provisioning and delivery are available. You will need to provide for independent breakfasts and a few light lunches. Following receipt of your registration, you will be advised further.
Please Note: AS THERE IS ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF BOATS AVAILABLE, IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO BOOK AND CONFIRM YOUR CHARTER BOAT EARLY
We anticipate they will be snapped up very quickly once this Invitation is received.
The charter boat will serve as your accommodation and transport for the 7 days on Pittwater and Cowan Creek. All racing will be aboard RSYS members’ boats.
Accommodation
The RSYS and RPAYC ICOYC Rally Committee would be happy to assist you to find local accommodation whilst you visit Sydney in April 2027.
The neighbouring harbourside suburbs of Kirribilli and North Sydney are well connected by public transport (train, bus and ferry) and all are just a short walk from RSYS.
A variety of accommodation options are available either onsite at RSYS or at a number of local hotels and Airbnbs.
The RSYS clubhouse can offer 5 King size rooms and 2 Queen size rooms with shared facilities or 1 Queen room with ensuite. We are also able to offer 5 apartments in adjacent buildings ranging from (1 x 1 bedroom, 3x 2 bedroom, 1 x 3 bedrooms) with private facilities/ kitchen and some with laundry facilities.
In order to book accommodation at the RSYS please email rebekah@rsys.com.au or Telephone: +61 2 9955 7171.
A number of RSYS members have also offered to billet guests.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of any assistance at 2027icoyccruise@gmail.com
Accommodation suggestions
- The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
- Meriton Suites
- View Hotels Quest Apartments Carnarvon Lodge Stone House
- Vibe Hotel North Sydney
Registration
Registration Fee
The registration fee for the 2027 ICOYC cruise will be AUD $1,250 per person.
Your registration fee includes the following:
● Welcome pack with Handbook
● Welcome canapés and beverage function at RSYS
● Casual Platter and canapés at RSYS
● Sydney Harbour sailing on local members’ boats
● Private dinner hosted at an RSYS member’s home
● Welcome snacks and 2 course dinner at RPAYC
● Berthing at RPAYC
● Carvery Lunch at KMYC
● Entry to the National Park
● BBQ and guided bush walk at The Basin
● Farewell dinner at RSYS including, canapés, 2 course meal and beverages
Visa and Mastercard will be accepted for payment.
Priority Registration
Registration will be accepted for international guests, as a priority, until 30th November 2026 and then will open for RSYS/ RPAYC and local ICOYC members from 1st December 2026.
Closing date for all registrations will be 31st January 2027
Registration Information
It is not necessary for participants to attend all of the events. However, if you choose not to attend any events the registration fee will not be reduced. For your registration to be complete, payment of the registration fee must accompany this application. To register please complete the online form which can be found here. We reserve the right to add a small amount to the registration fee in the event that prices escalate more than anticipated. All prices quoted are Australian Dollars (AUD).
The registration form is to be completed and registration fees paid for all participants including partners and guests so that we can capture contact information for all participants. Contact information is important so that we can update participants directly and not through the designated boat captain. Once registration is concluded participants will receive an acknowledgment via email. The acknowledgment does not guarantee a space as it is possible that the Rally could be oversold due to places being limited. A final confirmation will be sent as soon as possible.
In the event that the Rally is oversold, your registration fee will be refunded in accordance with the Rally Cancellation Policy that follows. There will be a waiting list and notification will be sent if space becomes available.
When you register, you may not have been able to complete the boat charter reservations. It would be helpful to know if you plan to cruise together on the charter boats. If you have that information at the time of registration, please include it. Please send us the updated information as it becomes available.
All updated registration information should be sent via email to 2027icoyccruise@gmail.com
Registration Link: https:/y/www.revolutionise.com.au/rsys/events/357686
Rally Cancellation Policy
If a registrant finds that it is necessary to cancel their registration, the Rally cancellation request must be submitted to the RSYS Finance Office ( 2027icoyccruise@gmail.com) by 1st February 2027 11:59PM AEDT. Prior to 1st January 2027, 95% of the registration fee will be refunded. Between 1st January 2027 and the 1st February 2027 45% of the registration fee will be refunded.
If there is a waiting list and someone from the waiting list registers and pays, the remaining 50% will also be refunded. After 1st February 2027 no refund will be given, unless there is a waiting list and someone from the waiting list fills the space.
In Conclusion
All of a sudden April 2027 does not seem too far away as 2026 is flying by. The Committee is really looking forward to welcoming many of our overseas and local ICOYC friends to Sydney in April 2027. As has been outlined previously, it is a wonderful time to be on the water and we all look forward to having you join us on Sydney Harbour and Pittwater.
Richard Lawson
Chair 2027 ICOYC Rally Committee