Historic Sydney to Newcastle Yacht Race returns
by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron 3 Nov 16:18 GMT
21 November 2026
Sydney to Newcastle Yacht Race © Margaret Fraser-Martin
The Sydney to Newcastle offshore yacht race will return this November for its second consecutive year, as the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) and Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) continue to build on the revival of a historic offshore racing tradition.
Scheduled for Saturday 21 November 2026, the race will celebrate the origins of offshore yacht racing in Sydney, retracing a passage that first captured the public's imagination more than 160 years ago.
In 1864, RSYS conducted what is recognised as Sydney's earliest recorded offshore yacht race, a challenging course from Fort Denison to Newcastle and return. The contest was effectively a match race between two of the most prominent racing yachts of the era: the 80-tonne Chance and the 37-tonne Xarifa, with the latter claiming victory.
The race attracted widespread public attention, drawing thousands of spectators to the foreshore and generating considerable wagering on the outcome. Now, in partnership with NCYC, RSYS is looking to rekindle that spirit of offshore competition and strengthen the Squadron's offshore racing program.
The 2026 edition will see eligible yachts take on a passage race through the waters between Port Jackson and the Port of Newcastle, with a scheduled warning signal no earlier than 9.00am on Saturday 21 November.
A major highlight will be the return of the historic Xarifa Tray, awarded to the IRC winner meeting the specific eligibility criteria for the trophy. The Tray returned to competition in 2025 after last being contested in 1995, adding another chapter to its long association with offshore sailing.
To qualify for the Xarifa Tray, yachts must hold a valid IRC certificate, have a length of hull of at least 15 metres, a Hull Factor no greater than 10 and a Displacement Length Ratio (DLR) greater than 90. They must also demonstrate the characteristics of a cruising yacht, including features such as private cabins, a fully equipped galley, enclosed heads and onboard refrigeration.
Yachts that do not meet the Xarifa Tray eligibility criteria are still welcome to enter, with additional divisions allocated at the discretion of the Race Committee. The PHS winner will also receive a prize.
The event is open to boats holding a valid Australian Sailing Special Regulations Category 4 Equipment Audit Form or higher, with entries closing at 11.00am on Thursday 19 November. The entry fee is $200, including GST.
The collaboration between RSYS and NCYC represents an opportunity to reconnect two sailing communities through a shared maritime history, while providing competitors with an exciting offshore challenge and the chance to compete for one of the Squadron's historic trophies.
Event details
- Event: Sydney to Newcastle Race
- Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
- Organising Authority: Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club in conjunction with Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
- Course: Port Jackson to the Port of Newcastle
- Scheduled Warning Signal: No earlier than 9.00am
- Entry Fee: $200 (including GST)
- Entry Deadline: 11.00am, Thursday 19 November 2026
- Prizes: Xarifa Tray (IRC winner meeting eligibility criteria) and PHS winner (Alfred G Memorial Trophy)
Entries and Notice of Race: Sydney to Newcastle - Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Club
For further information -