Australian Sailing are looking for a new host club for Sail Sydney and we are inviting NSW clubs to submit an expression of interest. 

Whilst Sail Sydney has been held on Sydney Harbour for many years, it has historically been held on other NSW waterways, and we are interested in receiving expressions of interest from clubs in the greater Sydney area as well as Sydney Harbour. 

Australian Sailing would like to acknowledge Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC), who have hosted the event for over two magnificent decades and have made the decision to not continue in 2025.

The regatta began as a Test Event for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, where Woollahra and Sydney Harbour hosted one of the most iconic Olympic regattas of all time. Over the next twenty-plus years, countless WSC staff and volunteers made Sail Sydney one of the biggest off-the-beach regattas in the Southern Hemisphere and the perfect host for State, National and World Championships.

Australian Sailing would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to Woollahra Sailing Club for their commitment to Sail Sydney over such a long and important period. While we are sad to be moving from WSC, the opportunity to take the event to the next level in a new home is exciting with many opportunities for the new host club, the event and for Australian Sailing.

Sail Sydney History and Background 

Sail Sydney is one of Australia’s premier Olympic and Invited Classes Regattas, held annually on the waters of Sydney Harbour, it has become one of the largest annual ‘Off the Beach’ regattas in the southern hemisphere and is important for the growth and success of junior and youth sailors, enabling them to race alongside their Olympic heroes. Sail Sydney attracts and incorporates numerous World, National and State Championships.  

Sail Sydney benefits and contributes to the successful group of pre-Christmas regattas in the way of Sail Melbourne, Sail Sydney and Sail Brisbane and as such the selection of dates is critical to facilitate participation across the three events.

Benefits to the Host Club 

Hosting Sail Sydney is a significant opportunity for clubs to grow financially, strengthen community engagement, enhance facilities, and boost participation. With proper planning and execution, the benefits extend far beyond the event itself, leaving a lasting positive impact on the club and local community. 

Hosting Saili Sydney can provide the club with numerous benefits, for example: 

1. Financial & Economic Benefits 

• Increased Revenue – Clubs can generate income through event fees, sponsorships, merchandising, and food & beverage sales. 
• Tourism & Local Business Support – Visiting athletes, spectators, and officials spend money in the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retail enabling possible partnership opportunities and providing a win-win for the club’s local community. 
• Sponsorship & Funding Opportunities – Major events can attract sponsors and government funding, strengthening the club’s financial position. 

2. Increased Membership & Participation 

• Attracts New Members – Exposure from the event raises awareness of the club, leading to increased memberships and participation in programs. 
• Boosts Youth Development – Inspires younger generations to engage, strengthening grassroots programs. 
• Enhanced Club Reputation – Positions the club as a premier venue for future events and training camps. 

3. Infrastructure & Facility Improvements 

• Upgraded Facilities – Funding and investment in event infrastructure lead to long-term benefits for club members and future events. 
• Equipment Enhancements – Hosting an event often brings in new equipment, technology, and resources. 

4. Community Engagement & Volunteerism 

• Stronger Local Engagement – Involves the local community through volunteering, partnerships, and participation. 
• Enhanced Club Culture – Creates a sense of pride and unity among members and supporters. 
• Media & Publicity – Increases media coverage, social media presence, and overall brand awareness for the club (Locally, Nationally and Internationally). 

5. Sporting & Competitive Advantages 

• Showcases Elite Talent – Members get to see top athletes in action, inspiring local competitors. 
• Home-Ground Advantage – Club sailors benefit from competing in familiar conditions. 
• Pathway to Larger Events – Successfully hosting a major event enhances credibility and increases the likelihood of securing future high-profile regattas. 

6. Long-Term Sustainability & Growth 

• Legacy Impact – The club’s improved reputation continues to attract future events, sponsors, and members. 
• Stronger Relationships with Governing Bodies – Strengthens ties with Australian Sailing leading to more opportunities.  
• Continued Funding & Investment – Success in hosting an event often leads to ongoing government or private sector investment. 

Sail Sydney – Australian Sailing Strategic Goals 

• Deliver a professional, safe and fair regatta that follows World Sailing race management best practice. 
• Encourage participation in the sport by sailors, volunteers and officials. 
• Encourage interstate and international sailors to attend to provide a high level of competitive sailing to enhance the experience for all sailors, especially the Olympic Classes. 
• Utilise the event to upskill, train and mentor race management volunteers and race officials from NSW and interstate clubs. 
• Encourage sailing clubs to collaborate, share knowledge and resources and work together to deliver major events. 
• Promote sailing to a broader audience. 
• Provide opportunities for youth sailors to meet Olympians. 

We are inviting clubs to submit an expression of interest to host Sail Sydney 

Please find the EOI here >>CLICK HERE 

Key Points 

• The regatta is an Australian Sailing (AS) owned event. 
• The event consists of a four day regatta held in December. 
• The Host Club will be the Organising Authority (OA), working on behalf of and with AS. 
• The regatta should be the only major event being conducted at the club at the time. 
• Sufficient space is required to host people and competitor boats for approx. 250 entries. 
• Multiple course areas will be required, dependent on the number of boats entered. 
• PRO/RO and Jury to be approved by AS (key roles must be accredited National Race Officials). 
• The event requires an onsite international jury. 
• Australian Sailing will apply for World Sailing grading for the event.  

Australian Sailing will contribute the following resources to the regatta: 

• Assist with the race documents (AS to provide NOR/ SI Template). 
• Execute a media and communication strategy with the support of the host club. 
• Assist with communication to competitors. 
• Host and manage the event website. 
• Entry set up and management of online registration and payments via the host club's RevSPORT portal. 
• Any costs relating to accommodation, travel and meals for AS personnel (if applicable). 
• AS will hold all commercial rights to the event including sponsorship, merchandising and data capture 
• AS will work with host club to engage sponsors and apply for grants 
• Oversee the running of the event with the host club. 
• Other costs as agreed between the cost club and AS. 

The host club will:   

• Manage the event budget. 
• Set the event entry fee (subject to approval from AS) and receive all proceeds. 
• Accept online entries via RevSPORT using the AS template. 

If you have any questions, please contact National Event, Class & Youth Manager Emma Humphries – emma.humphries@sailing.org.au.

Photo: Beau Outteridge