Established in March 1995 and now celebrating 30+ years in business.
Sydney by Sail is a dynamic and innovative sailing business that offers a wide range of sailing experiences to the corporate, domestic leisure and tourism markets. Sydney by Sail has the newest fleet of charter yachts in Australia.
The Sydney by Sail fleet allows people to enjoy Sydney Harbour on board a variety of luxury and performance sailing yachts.
“Quite simply…
Sydney by Sail is the best way to see Sydney by sail!”
Scroll to see our vast spectrum of services, and see how you can get out there yourself!
Our sightseeing sailing cruises range from 90 minutes to 6 hours, and are low cost / high value experiences, allowing you to take the helm of a luxury yacht or sit back and relax as you explore Sydney Harbour.
Our most popular sightseeing cruise is our 3 hour daily sailing trip, running from 1pm – 4pm on ANY day.
Sydney By Sail’s training academy provides you internationally recognized sailing certification, as well as the skills to feel competent & confident behind the helm of a yacht.
It all starts with a course called the Introduction to Yachting; a 2 day course covering all the fundamental principles of learning to sail.
Sydney By Sail’s Mile Building Programs are designed to help you gain real-world experience while cruising the stunning East Coast of Australia. Sail aboard our high-quality vessels, like the Elan E6, and accumulate valuable sea miles in diverse conditions, all under the guidance of our expert skippers. Whether you’re working toward sailing certifications or simply looking to enhance your skills, our programs offer the perfect opportunity to build confidence, improve your navigation and boat handling, and prepare for future voyages. Book your next adventure today and take the next step in your sailing journey!
Our fleet of luxury yachts range from 31 – 50 ft, and are all state of the art sailing vessels designed to keep you comfortable & cruising around Sydney Harbour in style.
You can meet the fleet and understand what you can do & see in different durations on our Charter Information Page.
Our Romantic B&B Packages are unique & unforgettable. Whether it be in celebration of a special occasion, or just a family adventure, our Romantic B&B packages will be sure to treat your loved ones to a special evening afloat on Sydney Harbour.
We have three tiers of this B&B Package, suiting a variety of schedules & budgets.
Sailing a yacht involves teamwork, communication, and fosters comradery. Our team building events get groups between 14 – 400 PAX out racing luxury yachts around POI’s in Sydney.
You don’t need any previous experience to race your colleagues, and we have several formats you can check out to see what is best for your workplace.
A unique combination of companies, Sydney By Sail & Performance Cruising Yachts, offer an accessible, economical & hassle-free shared ownership structure, allowing people to own their dream yacht at a fraction of the cost.
Check out our designated Yacht Share Website for more info.
Sydney By Sail has the newest fleet of yachts in Sydney Harbour.
Our sister company, Performance Cruising Yachts is currently the exclusive Australian Dealer of luxury brands including:
Performance Cruising Yachts imports the best quality brands to Australia for you to enjoy.
Whatever the vessel, sailing with Sydney by Sail will ensure you and your crew get to enjoy the lifestyle and luxury of only the best brands sailing on the most beautiful waterway in the world!
Sydney By Sail has won many achievements including the NSW Enterprise Award, The City of Sydney Award for business excellence and twice been nominated as a finalist in the Telstra Small Business Awards.
Sydney by Sail is a sister company of Performance Cruising Yachts, the sole Australian importer of Elan Yachts, Dufour Catamarans & ICE Yachts.
Sydney By Sail services all areas of Sydney Harbour, with several key pickup and drop off areas available to all our customers. Sydney By Sail’s home base and office is located in Pyrmont.
Sydney by Sail is located at Festival Pontoon, in front of the Maritime Museum and next to Pyrmont Bridge in Darling Harbour Sydney
Parking: Abundant parking close by Harbourside Shopping Centre, Secure Parking Pyrmont, Star Casino
Public Transport: Darling Harbour is accessible via Ferry, Bus or Train.
Festival Pontoon
National Maritime Museum
2 Murray Street,
Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Telephone:+61 2 9280 1110
“All our staff are chosen for their knowledge of sailing, friendliness, patience and sense of humour. Whether it be showing you the sights of Sydney, throwing you a line after your day out as a syndicate owner, or teaching you the wonderful sport of sailing, my team will ensure you have a great day sailing on Sydney Harbour.”
Matt Hayes.
Matt Hayes, an experienced sailor since childhood, has won multiple Australian Championships and podium finishes at world championships in the soling class. He represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and regularly competes in events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the Admiral’s Cup, and the Kenwood Cup.
At 19, Matt founded his first sailing school and has since devoted his life to sharing sailing with others. In March 1995, he established Sydney by Sail after winning the NSW Enterprise Workshop Award for Best Business Plan in 1994. His goal is to let as many people as possible enjoy sailing on Sydney Harbour.
Matt now manages Sydney By Sail and Performance Cruising Yachts, the exclusive importer of Slovenian Elan Yachts. He achieved a major personal milestone by circumnavigating the globe on SV Influencer from 2018 to 2020 and sailed a catamaran from Sydney to Cyprus through the Red Sea in 2024.
Aaron Chadwick is the Sailing School Principal, bringing 20 years of diverse sailing experience to his role and teachings. His journey began at an early age, where he immersed himself in the competitive racing scene, honing his skills from the age of 5 to 19. During those formative years, Aaron achieved remarkable success at various levels, proudly representing Great Britain internationally for nine consecutive years. His dedication to the sport not only earned him accolades but also instilled in him a profound understanding of sailing techniques and strategies.
In the past five years, Aaron transitioned from racing to the world of yachting, embarking on adventures throughout the Mediterranean. This shift allowed him to broaden his horizons, developing a deeper appreciation for navigation, seamanship, and the joys of leisurely sailing. Now settled in Sydney, he brings a wealth of experience to the sailing scene here.
Aaron’s commitment to excellence is evident in his pursuit of knowledge, as he completed his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification during the cold and challenging conditions of an English winter. This accomplishment reflects his passion for sailing, qualities he instils in his students. Through his leadership at the sailing school, Aaron aims to inspire a new generation of sailors, blending his extensive competitive background with a love for exploration and adventure on the water. Whether teaching newcomers or guiding experienced sailors, he fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment that emphasises safety, skill development, and a deep respect for all things sailing.
Josh has grown up with Sydney By Sail and enjoys surfing, surf-life saving, windsurfing, and sailing. He is committed to providing memorable sailing experiences and takes pride in showcasing Sydney Harbour to people from around the globe.
He holds a double degree in Commerce and Psychology with a Marketing major from Macquarie University, and is also a qualified Yacht Master Offshore. Josh has completed several notable ocean passages, including routes from Reunion Island to Cape Town, Recife to Grenada, Sydney to Honiara, Solomon Islands and Hobart to Lord Howe Island to Sydney. Despite his global travels, he still believes Sydney Harbour is the best waterway in the world.
Rhys grew up sailing 420s in Canada, where he competed on the North American circuit as a proud member of Team Ontario. His extensive experience includes participating in numerous national and international regattas. Rhys is a qualified Yachtmaster Offshore and Cruising Instructor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his sailing practice. He has also undertaken a challenging ocean passage across the Indian Ocean, navigating across the Indian Ocean and into the Red Sea through one of the world’s most treacherous waterways, the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Having traded the cold conditions of Canada for the warmer climate of Sydney, Rhys is now dedicated to sharing his passion for sailing and his love for Sydney Harbour. His diverse sailing background and adventurous spirit make him an inspiring figure for anyone looking to explore the beauty and excitement of the Tasman Sea.
We are proud to have several partners from Australia and around the world. We only partner with likeminded businesses, providing high quality products & services at great value. Most importantly, our partners all share our passion for sailing, for mother nature & for having an adventurous spirit.
Our exclusive & esteemed caterer has been providing high quality gourmet catering using locally sourced ingredients across two menus – a standard gourmet & premium gourmet menu.
Shorty’s Liquor provides an all-inclusive business solution with every beverage service you need conveniently located under one roof. Say goodbye to logistical hassles and enjoy the ease of a comprehensive, full-service approach.
Discover Australia’s museum of the sea and dive deeper into our connection with oceans, rivers, and lakes.
The company, with the home office in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, certifies more boating courses with more government approvals through more schools, in more countries and in more languages than any other boating organization in the world.
IYT Worldwide is the trusted standard of excellence in yacht training, maritime certification and safety around the world.
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Festival Pontoon
National Maritime Museum
2 Murray Street,
Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Festival Pontoon
National Maritime Museum
2 Murray Street,
Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Telephone: +61 2 9280 1110
Contact Form: Click here