Dear ICOYC Member Clubs and Cruise Participants,
On behalf of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, we are delighted to invite you to Australia for the ICOYC Cruise 2027 – Sydney Harbour & Pittwater Discovery Cruise, to be held from Thursday 25th March to Sunday 4th April 2027.
This cruise has been designed as a genuine on-water experience, combining the energy and spectacle of Sydney Harbour with the natural beauty and tranquillity of Pittwater and the surrounding waterways of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
The program will begin on Sydney Harbour, where participants will enjoy cruising and sightseeing, exploring the many bays and estuaries that together create one of the world’s most beautiful and renowned deep-water harbours. This will include organised on-water
activities, opportunities to explore well-known anchorages, and curated onshore experiences, including visits to historic sites.
Following this, the program transitions north to Pittwater via the Tasman Sea. Some participants will make the short – 15 nautical miles – coastal passage between Sydney Harbour and Pittwater, while others may prefer a relaxed transfer option via organised coach transport.
The Pittwater and Cowan Creek provide a rare combination of protected waterways, national park anchorages and relaxed Australian cruising culture, all within easy reach of central Sydney.
The Pittwater program will be hosted in association with RPAYC and will offer a relaxed and immersive style of cruising. Participants will explore quiet bays, sheltered waterways, and landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, with a program combining informal cruising, shared on-water experiences, and a number of relaxed social gatherings.
Throughout the cruise, the focus will be on achieving a balance between sailing, exploration, and social connection – offering camaraderie and traditions that define the International Council of Yacht Clubs.
We are particularly pleased that the cruise will take place in the week preceding the ICOYC World Forum in Melbourne, hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club, providing a seamless continuation for members travelling to Australia.
For participants requiring accommodation during the Sydney Harbour phase, options will include stays at RSYS Clubhouse, billeting with members, or at nearby hotels—providing both flexibility and a welcoming introduction to the Squadron community.
RSYS and RPAYC are working closely together to deliver a program that reflects the very best of Australian sailing and hospitality, both on and off the water.
Details regarding the itinerary, registration, accommodation, and logistics are included with this invitation. Registrations will be limited, and further information regarding participation will be confirmed shortly.
We do hope you will join us for what promises to be a distinctive and memorable Sydney Harbour & Pittwater Discovery Cruise.
Registration Fee
The registration fee for the 2027 ICOYC cruise will be AUD1,250 per person.
Your registration fee includes the following:
● Welcome pack with Handbook
● Welcome canapés and beverage function at RSYS
● Casual Platter and canapés post sailing 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
Registration
Closing date for all registrations will be 1st December 2026.
Yours sincerely,
Russell Taylor, Commodore Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Julia Hornsby, Commodore Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club