The October long weekend has long been looked upon as the unofficial beginning of the yachting season in Port Jackson. The days are growing lengthier, and the cool weather of the winter months – while no obstacle to the die-hard crowd – has begun to recede. The season, in one of the world’s great cruising grounds, is upon us. So what are some of the highlights?
The Show
Part of the attraction of Sydney Harbour? The spectacle. On a windy summer day, hundreds of yachts of varying size, speed, and configuration are in use on these waters. Add to that the various ferries making waves to their destinations, and you have a fun – and challenging – cruise on your hands. Mind the wakes!
Pittwater
The exact opposite of the above, the Pittwater area is the spot to find some relative seclusion. Forty kilometres to the north of Sydney, the dozens of channels, cross channels, and coves here come together to create a mecca for the cruiser who wants a bit of space to himself.
Family Time
The warmth of the summertime serves as a great motivator to get out of your comfort zone, and taking the family on board for some recreation is a great method of beating the heat. Break out the watersports gear and the life jackets, and beat the water to a froth.
While the cost and time investment in yachting is considerable, for many, a yacht syndicate – where ownership is shared among several owners – can relieve some of this burden. The well-regarded Luxury Boat Syndicates is one example of this service, and they can see you spend your summer on the water.