Sydneysiders get on the water whenever they can. This is a true local custom, and it’s a major lifestyle option for the people who live around the world’s greatest harbor. If you’re a boatie, whether it’s yachts, power boats, rubber ducks, or anything else that can get on the water, Sydney’s the place you need to be. Score some cheap travel insurance online, and come and see how things are done on the water Down Under.

Photo: Chris Ruggles

The sailing culture
Sydney used to be a forest of mast from the tall ships in the days of sail. The entire waterfront was covered in huge wooden birds of the sea, manned by brave people who’d sail around the world to get to Sydney. The depth of the culture is shown by the fact that the word “mate”, short for “shipmate”, is still a typical Australianism, over 200 years later.

The practical effect of this obsession with the water in Sydney is even obvious in the property market. Living near the water, either on the Harbor itself, the river, Sydney Heads, or the southern or northern beaches, is the preferred option for most Australians.

Modern sailing

Modern sailing in Sydney is a truly Australian combination of the absolute latest, state of the art sailing technology, and the very strong character traditional older boating styles. A quick trip on the Harbor will find a constellation of different types of boats, from sleek high power boats which could compete in any power boat race on Earth to the elegant modern yachts which usually clock six or seven figure price tags, but are such beautiful works of art you have to like them.

At the other end of the spectrum, the suburban catamarans, cute little water taxis, and a true menagerie of vintages form the general run of the vast numbers of boats on the water any day of the week. Fishing boats are common, as they are in all Australia’s major cities. Upriver, there are many different moorings among the bush land, particularly near beautiful Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park. Some people literally live on the water.

Photo: sandy kemsley

Sydney Harbor isn’t the whole story, either. North and south of Sydney is some great sailing territory, along Australia’s rugged coast. You can sail up to Brisbane in the north, or by stages down to Melbourne or even Hobart in the south. The Sydney to Hobart boat race is Australia’s equivalent of the America’s Cup, with huge Maxi yachts flying down the coast in the sometimes savage New Year winds.

If you want to check out Sydney’s vibrant sailing culture, you’ll be pleased to know that finding your kind of boat is extremely easy. Boat sales, rentals and prices in Sydney are easy to track online, and you will get a good deal, sooner or later, on a good boat. You can even check out your travel insurance options online, and see what’s available for coverage of your sailing as well.