History & Helm

Brindabella, The Peoples Maxi, above all is a fully functioning racing Maxi Yacht with a deep Australian Maritime History. In fact she had a special “Exemplary Class Vessel” category curated by the Australian Maritime Museum just for her.

No seafood canapés on this trip, this adventure is more about squeezing every last knot of boat speed at all sailing angles. Fruit, snacks & gourmet sandwiches provided. Yes the bar will still be open!

This full days sail will commence with a pre sail briefing where we will discover and discuss the rich history of Brindabella, touch on the history of the Squadron (Given Royal status by none other than queen Victoria) and decide on a sail and passage plan for the day. We will also discuss a number of the pre reading topics sent out to you upon booking.

You will cover the following through a mixture of pre reading, pre sailing brief discussion and on board experience with a majority of time spent on board.

- Explore Brindabella's unique construction, designed according to international offshore racing rules of its time.

- Delve into her illustrious racing heritage and the social impact she has had on the Australian community.

- Take a comprehensive tour of the vessel, learning about all onboard systems and how they are meticulously maintained for optimal performance. Discover how Brindabella has been transformed into a commercial vessel without compromising her sailing heritage, aesthetics, or prowess.

- Witness demonstrations of our hydraulic sail trimming system, pedestal winches, and auxiliary winches, all designed to maximize sailing performance at any wind angle. Learn about her ground breaking Harken winch system, a pioneering addition to Maxi yachts globally and a testament to sailing innovation.

- Whether you're a novice or a seasoned sailor, delve into the physics of sailing on Brindabella. Understand how wind instruments contribute to efficient sailing techniques.

-Commence an understanding into maritime navigation as it has been done for centuries. This will include nautical charts, how a nautical mile and a knot of boat speed is derived and how it relates to navigation. We will also take some hand held compass bearing readings on board and understand how these are transposed to nautical charts to attain a position at sea.

- Explore our extensive sail wardrobe, including mainsails, headsails, asymmetrical sails, and more. Learn the purpose of each sail and participate in selecting the appropriate sails for prevailing conditions.

- Take the helm under the guidance of our experienced skipper, putting your newfound knowledge of sail trim and instrument reading into practice.

- Experience the unique thrill of acting as human ballast on the rail or relaxing in a pipe cot down below under full sail, something indescribable!

- Upon booking, receive a welcome pack with insightful information about Brindabella, including her construction, systems, and heritage. Familiarize yourself with sailing physics and terminology to enhance your onboard experience.

- Before setting sail, discuss the day's passage plan and review essential sea safety protocols, ensuring you are fully prepared and engaged in the journey ahead.

Embrace the sailing experience on Brindabella at your own pace. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in every detail or simply sit back and enjoy the adventure, the choice is yours.

-       Warning: Sailing may be highly addictive and could lead to life-changing experiences. We take no responsibility for the profound impact this adventure may have on you, your loved ones, or your financial outlook