Dockside Countdown
Changing Lives Through Sailing
Sailing for children with disability or experiencing disadvantage.
This year's event will be held on Friday 9 October 2026 at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Darling Point.
Bring your team, clients, family or friends together for an incredible day of yacht racing on Sydney Harbour while supporting a great cause!
This year's Theme
Splash of
RED
Ticket Options
Book a Yacht
for 6-12 People
Starting at $3500
Join the
Spectator Boat
$200 per person
Solo Sailor
$250 per person
After-Party Ticket
$300 per person
Enter Your Boat
FAQs
Ticket Options
Book a Yacht
for 4-10 People
Starting at $800
Solo Sailor
$100 per person
Join our After Party
$100 per person
Enter Your Boat
If you are a yacht owner who would like to loan the use of your boat to the event, please register!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE THE RACE
This year's Making Waves Regatta is on Friday 9 October, 2026.
Theme this year is Splash of Red!
Wear warm casual clothing and comfortable shoes (i.e. NO high heels). Shoes should not have black soles as these can mark the yachts. It is advisable to wear a wide brimmed hat in sunny conditions. In wet weather bring a spray jacket or poncho.
Corporate Boats are available for groups of 4-12 guests from $3,500 per team. Entry for syndicates bringing their own boat is available for $2,200.
There is limited street parking along New Beach Road, however we suggest using public transportation.
ON THE DAY
The Regatta Race is hosted at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), 1 New Beach Rd, Darling Point NSW 2027. The race will be on a CYCA designated course around Sydney Harbour.
The after party will also be at the CYCA.
Registration commences at the CYCA from 11:00am. All participants must be at the CYCA and registered by 11:30am.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided for all participants to enjoy prior to racing. You are welcome to purchase additional food at nearby cafes.
The Regatta will go ahead in most weather conditions. A little rain is not enough to spoil a good race so if getting wet is a concern, we suggest wearing appropriate wet weather gear and bringing a change of clothes. In case of extreme weather causing a cancellation of the race the after party will kick off a little earlier with food, drinks and entertainment all indoors.
Alcohol and drinks may be brought on board as long as they purchased from the venue. Please note however that depending on the length of the race and the conditions on the day there may not be an opportunity to consume drinks. Your skipper will advise you of this accordingly. Please note that the responsible consumption of alcohol will be expected, and guests may be asked to vacate the premises if any issues arise.
Yes – all participants and crew will be provided with personal floatation devices (PFDs).
Some boats may have toilets on-board however, it is advisable that all participants use the facilities at the CYCA prior to boarding the boat.
As this is a race, the yacht will angle from side to side and you will be required to move as well. Your Skipper will identify the most appropriate place for you on the boat and guide you on moving around safely.
Every boat will be fully crewed by experienced sailors. However, should you wish to get involved, please inform your Skipper and they will try to find a role for you.
This is a non-smoking event and as such, smoking (and or vaping) is not allowed on the yachts. A designated smoking area will be available at the after party.
AFTER PARTY
Food and drink before the race as well as aft the after-party is included in your registration.
Trophies will be awarded to the winners and runners up of each race division as well as overall line honours. Please make sure someone from your group is ready to pose for a photo with their trophy!
Yes, we will have a raffle with sensational prizes and an auction!
The after party will conclude around 5.00pm. You and your guests are welcome to enjoy the evening at the CYCA following the event.
FOR COMPANIES
Supporting organisations will have their logos across our social platforms and on the regatta page in the lead up to the event.
If you would like to sponsor an aspect of the event, please contact our office by email or call 0421 725 170.
If you would like to discuss becoming more involved with Making Waves Foundation, please view our Support Us page or call us at 0421 725 170.
Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Prize Pool DOnors
