Coastal & Offshore Sailing
Class40 | Vixen Racing
Offshore Racing2025 Highlights
A guided, hands-on introduction to life on a Class40 race yacht. Designed for capable people ready to go beyond coastal sailing and experience the real thing.
Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Series – Tollgate Island Race
3 Day Sydney Harbour and Coastal Overnight Intermediate Sailing Course
Bird Island Race 2026
Cabbage Tree Island Race 2026
Sydney to Hobart Offshore Sailing Academy
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race 2026
Where You Start Matters
You do not need years of offshore experience to begin. We bring together small crews, clear structure, and hands on coaching so you can step into offshore sailing with confidence. You will not be watching. You will be doing. Every trip is designed to give you: real time on the helm, clear instruction when it matters, space to build confidence at your own pace
THE RIGHT FIT
Who it’s for
You do not need to be an offshore sailor.But you do need to be ready to step up. This is for you if:You are confident on the water but have not gone offshoreYou want to do something that challenges you in a meaningful wayYou prefer being part of a crew, not a passengerYou are curious about racing but have never had access This is not for you if:You are looking for a relaxed sailing holidayYou want to stay in your comfort zoneYou prefer to observe rather than take part
THE PLATFORM
The Class40 Yacht
Verdier-designed Class40 with a new carbon rig and bowsprit, modern electronics, 600 L water ballast, and a clean systems layout — fast enough to punish sloppy technique and reward good calls. You’ll feel the gains instantly at the helm and see them again in debrief.
ON THE WATER
What you’ll experience
- You will take the helm in real conditions
- You will make calls that matter
- You will learn faster than you expect
- You will sail with people who started where you are
- You will be supported when things feel unfamiliar
- You will leave with a level of confidence you did not have before
STARTING POINT
Do I need experience?
- If you are comfortable on a boat and willing to learn, you are ready. We structure every trip so that:
- You are never left guessing
- You are never out of your depth
- You are always part of the crew
sharon ferris-choat
Leadership Forged by Wind and Water
Over a 30-year career, Sharon has sailed more than 124,000 nautical miles, competed in two Olympic Games, and became the first woman to win a round-the-world team yacht race. She broke multiple speed records and is widely respected for her tactical excellence and fierce determination.
With Sharon as your coach, you are learning from someone who has operated at the highest level, and knows how to bring people into it without ego or noise.
More than a Sailor
Sharon is a circular economy advocate, a mother of two, and a global voice for innovation in sustainability and women’s leadership.
The Vixen Racing Family
What Sharon values most is what happens between people. Individuals arrive, and within days become a crew, learning to trust each other and work as one on the water.
Stories From The Water
Direct, calm, and outcome-driven. Expect clear briefs, live instruction on deck, and focused debriefs with photos/video where available. Sharon leads with quiet authority — the kind that lifts belief and keeps standards high.
Vixen Racing’s academy sailors are learning fast, and Sharon Ferris-Choat has the results to prove it
Go Boating profiles the results behind Vixen Racing, as Academy sailors build offshore confidence, take the helm in demanding conditions, and contribute to strong race performances across Australia. Sharon Ferris Choat explains why the progress of her crews is proving just as rewarding as the results.
Paying it Forward
Vixen Racing has awarded two scholarship places for the Brisbane to Sydney passage, giving two sailors the chance to build real offshore miles on a Class 40. For me, this matters because the right opportunity at the right time can change a sailor’s confidence, CV, and belief in what might be possible.
The race I waited 30 years to start
Monohull Line Honours was the result. The real story was the preparation, the problem-solving, and learning that Vixen and I could handle the Tasman together.
Vixen Racing Ready for the Solo Trans-Tasman
After 30 years of watching others head off solo, Sharon Ferris Choat is ready to take on the Solo Trans Tasman. Backed by thorough preparation, a strong Doyle Sails inventory, and more than 1,000 solo training miles, she lines up focused on one goal: a safe and competitive crossing.
Sharon Ferris-Choat to become seventh woman to contest Solo Trans-Tasman
Boating New Zealand profiles Sharon Ferris Choat ahead of the 2026 Solo Trans Tasman Yacht Race, where she will be only the seventh woman to start in the race’s 56 year history. Racing Vixen from Opua on 30 May, she heads for Southport focused on a safe, competitive crossing.
Bay of Islands set to host hardy sailors in iconic solo challenge
The Solo Trans Tasman Yacht Challenge 2026 has 17 entrants registered and is set to start from Opua on 30 May 2026. The fleet will sail up the Northland coast to Cape Reinga before crossing to the Gold Coast.
From crew to navigator: building your weather instincts
The best crews do not just sail the boat. They read what is coming, agree a plan, and stay ahead of the next change.
Backed By Those Who Know The Ocean
Trusted industry support for marina berths, sails, ropes, tape, vessel haulage and shipyard work keeps our Class 40 Yacht fully certified and race-ready. That all adds up to fewer delays, sharper drills, and maximum high performance sailing hours.
