Overview

First impressions matter… when Captain Arthur Phillip, the commander of the 11 ships of the First Fleet, the original flotilla sent from Britain to colonise Australia, first set eyes on Sydney Harbour on January 23, 1788, he wrote in his logbook, "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbour in the world, in which a thousand ships of the line may ride in the most perfect security."

This still rings true today, and many superyacht owners, captains and crew experience this superb first impression when entering Sydney Harbour for the first time, and are then captivated by its beauty, superyacht facilities and friendly welcome.

Sydney Harbour is world renowned for its natural deepwater channels, its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and is thus one of the world's most beautiful harbours. It is also a thriving port that caters for an unrivalled mix of commercial shipping and recreational boating activities, including the start of the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks that have helped Sydney secure the mantle of ‘New Year's Eve capital of the world'.

Sydney has been actively promoting itself as a destination for superyachts since 1998, promoting the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and has enjoyed over 200 superyacht visits since then. It now offers everything a superyacht captain or owner may desire; from protected cruising waters inside the harbour to fine dining and world-class shopping and cultural activities.

It has excellent berthing facilities in Rozelle Bay, Campbells Cove and Walsh Bay and a diverse range of technical support and refit infrastructure, including the newly established Sydney City Marine superyacht shipyard that provides visiting superyachts with a superb base in which to remain to undertake maintenance whilst waiting for?the next cruising period. Sydney is also a great place for crew to relax and have a good time.

Most superyachts can now enter and operate on Sydney Harbour without a pilot or a guide as previously offered by NSW Maritime. In certain cases however, due to size or other operational reasons, the Harbour Master may at his discretion require a Harbour Pilot or Sydney Harbour Local Knowledge Holder be present on board to assist in navigation. Superyachts are free to enter and move around the port subject to compliance to the recommendations contained in the recently released Sydney Harbour Superyacht Procedures Guide available for download from www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/syprocedures.

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