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Put your sailing skills to the test on Sydney Harbour with Manly Yacht Club’s Twilight Racing series. Compete in five races every Friday evening from October to March and enjoy the vibrant sailing community afterward.
Put your sailing skills to the test on Sydney Harbour with Manly Yacht Club’s Twilight Racing series. Compete in five races every Friday evening from October to March and enjoy the vibrant sailing community afterward.
Book with Manly Sailing
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Manly Sailing · Manly, New South Wales
Sydney Harbour is celebrated worldwide for its sweeping views, lively waters, and vibrant sailing culture. Just a short stroll from Manly’s sunny East Esplanade lies the Manly Yacht Club, where the Twilight Racing First Tack aboard the 24ft keelboat "Aqualuna" offers a spirited way to engage with this iconic waterway. Operating from October through March, these Friday evening races invite sailors aged 18 and up to challenge themselves in a series of five competitive races, expertly guided by seasoned instructors.
As the sun dips behind the Sydney skyline, the harbor transforms into a stage for exhilarating tactical sailing. Participants learn the essentials of racing — maneuvering, sail trimming, and strategic positioning — all while feeling the rhythm of the wind and water beneath their keel. This experience strikes a perfect balance between learning and adrenaline, allowing even newer sailors familiar with basic skills to put themselves to the test in a race setting.
The keelboat "Aqualuna" is an ideal platform, stable yet responsive, making it suitable for those who have completed basic crewing or helming courses. What makes this program stand out is its community-driven atmosphere, built around the convivial spirit of Manly Yacht Club. After racing, crews gather at the clubhouse to swap stories, enjoy hearty food, and relax with drinks — an opportunity to connect with local sailors and visitors alike.
Manly itself is a vibrant beachside suburb of Sydney, known for its laid-back vibe and proximity to the city’s natural attractions. The club’s location on the East Esplanade provides quick access to open waters and stirring harbor views, including glimpses of landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Beyond the thrill of competition, these twilight races highlight Sydney’s unique maritime heritage and its ongoing relevance to both locals and tourists. The program encourages sustainable boating practices and respect for the aquatic environment, ensuring that Sydney Harbour remains a playground for generations to come.
For anyone looking to combine active learning with unforgettable waterfront adventure, Twilight Racing at Manly Yacht Club is a top-notch choice. Whether looking to sharpen sailing skills or simply experience Sydney Harbour from a fresh vantage, this activity offers a dynamic, social, and invigorating way to engage with one of Australia’s most beloved outdoor playgrounds.
moderate.
3 hours.
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle periods of physical effort during sailing, including balance and moving around the boat.
Basic crewing or helming experience is recommended but not mandatory; instructors guide participants throughout the race.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to join the Twilight Racing series.
Dress in layers with non-slip footwear; bring a windbreaker for cooler evenings.
Food and drinks are available at the Manly Yacht Club after racing but are not included in the race fee.
Racers meet at the Ground Floor of Manly Yacht Club on East Esplanade in Manly.
The race requires moderate physical effort, including moving around the boat and handling sails.
Manly Yacht Club has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s sailing community since the mid-20th century, fostering a vibrant racing culture.
The club actively promotes eco-friendly sailing practices, encouraging participants to minimize waste and protect local marine life.
Manly Sailing is a water‑based activity provider located in Manly, New South Wales, offering a broad range of sailing, kayaking, and youth adventure programs. Operating from Manly Cove and sailing into Sydney Harbour, Manly Sailing runs kayak hires, guided kayak tours, taster sailing experiences on 24‑foot yachts, and multi‑day sailing and adventure camps for children and teens. The programme includes single sit‑on‑top kayak hire and guided 1.5‑hour kayak tours that visit beaches such as Store Beach and Collins Flat; taster sailing experiences and 2.5‑hour sailing trips on 24‑foot yachts; one‑day and multi‑day keelboat and yachting camps for ages 12–17; kids' learn‑to‑sail Opti and advanced Optimist/O’pen Skiff courses; windsurfing, snorkelling and team‑based adventure camps; plus Australian Sailing Start Crewing and Start Helming course options and private two‑day crew/helm instruction for small groups. Safety and instruction are core features across offerings. Professional skippers and experienced instructors provide briefings, demonstrations and supervision. Safety equipment is supplied on courses and camps, and activities are structured for family‑friendly kayak hires, beginner taster sails, and youth development programs focused on confidence and skill building. Bookings range from hourly kayak hires to multi‑day camps and formal Australian Sailing courses, with options for private bookings or group experiences. Many youth camps offer early drop‑off and flexible scheduling to suit family needs. Small‑group instruction and private bookings are available for families, school groups and small friend groups seeking tailored experiences safely.
Book with Manly Sailing