Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter
Pro4.8 stars from 16 Google reviews
|Highlights
- More than 50 charter boats listed, from a 12-guest cruiser to a 500-guest event vessel
- Boat hire from $400 an hour on the classic motor cruiser Salute
- Private charters on Sydney Harbour since 1999, plus Pittwater and Port Hacking
About Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter
Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter, trading as SHYC Pty Ltd, has been arranging private boat hire in Sydney since 1999. Director of events Freya Buckle owns the business, and a small team of event specialists, including Katie O'Donoghue and Nat Gordon, handles planning. Its boats page lists 56 vessels across superyachts, motor yachts, large event boats and sailing yachts, and it arranges charters on Pittwater and Port Hacking as well as the harbour. Over the years it has run launches and client events for names including Rolex, Virgin, the GWS Giants, NOVA Entertainment and Holden New Zealand. The smallest boats suit a dozen people: Salute, a 32-foot classic motor cruiser, starts at $400 an hour, while Inception (12 guests) and MOXIE (25) are from $450. Weathersfield carries 30 from $550, and Cloud9 and Wanderlust take 35 from $600. For big groups, MY Way holds 500 from $1,220 an hour, and superyachts such as Shadow (90 guests) and Evolution (70) run from $3,000 to $3,600 an hour. Corporate charters can be anything from a sit-down dinner for 20 to a cocktail party for 300, with screens and AV on suitable boats. Quoted rates cover the boat only; catering, drinks, waitstaff, wharf fees and public holiday surcharges are added, and an advance provisioning allowance can apply on larger yachts. For hens and bucks groups the team puts together anything from a four-hour cruise with a stocked bar to an all-inclusive package with food, drinks and entertainment, often dropping guests off to continue the night. It suits hosts who want an experienced team to shortlist boats and run the event details.
Pricing
How We Work
Frequently asked questions
What does the hourly price include?
The advertised rate is for the vessel. Catering, beverages, waitstaff, wharf fees and public holiday surcharges are charged on top, and an advance provisioning allowance may apply on some larger yachts. Prices can change, so the quote you receive is what counts, and quotes are valid for seven days.
How much deposit is needed to secure a boat?
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the event cost plus a signed charter confirmation locks in the booking. Tentative holds last up to 48 hours. The balance and final numbers are due 14 days before the charter, and bookings made within 14 days are paid in full upfront.
Is there a bond?
Yes. The bond is $500 for a sailing boat or catamaran and $2,000 for a motor vessel, with a larger bond for superyachts. Costs such as extra guests on the day, drinks on consumption, extensions or damage may come out of the bond or be charged to the card you supplied.
Can we change guest numbers after booking?
Numbers can go up if the operator agrees, but they cannot be reduced once confirmed. Extra guests who turn up on the day are charged accordingly. For New Year's Eve charters, full payment is due a month before and there are no refunds.
Do you organise hens and bucks cruises?
Yes. Options run from a simple four-hour cruise with drinks from the boat's bar to an all-inclusive package covering food, drinks and entertainment, including traditional hens and bucks add-ons. Many groups are dropped off afterwards to carry on their night in town.
Areas we service
Suitable occasions
Briana Hanly
a year ago
We had our staff Christmas event on the Aurora and everyone had the best day! The staff were all fantastic, food and drinks delicious. Communication was also excellent during the initial booking/organising stage, with Fr…
Pip Morgan
a year ago
Our experience with Sydney Harbour Yacht Chapter was wonderful. Freya was a delight to liaise with, and she took all the hard work out of the event planning and made it so seamless. The boat (Ghost II) was incredible. Th…
Sam Jeacle
2 years ago
10/10 experience, SHYC made the booking process so easy and were very accommodating, the staff onboard were fantastic and made the day incredibly enjoyable! Best way to enjoy the harbour
Kailee-Anne Carr
6 years ago
Simon and the team hosted our corporate Melbourne Cup function on the AQA and we're talk of the town! The feedback has been overwhelming - food, hospitality and level of professionalism lead to a fantastic and memorable…
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