Sailing is Our Passion
South Passage is owned and operated by the not for profit association - The Sail Training Association of Qld Inc. The members of the association are volunteers, many with and without a background in sailing but all with a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
South Passage was originally conceived by founders, Simon and Marilyn Steenland, in 1988 after seeing the tall ships from all around the world in Brisbane on their way to the bicentennial celebrations in Sydney.
The Ship
DESIGNER
Rick James B.E. (NA) MRINA (Aust)
BUILDER
Steenland Constructions
LENGTH
30 metres (including bowsprit)
DRAUGHT
2.2 metres
HEIGHT
22.7 metres
SAIL AREA
270 sq. metres
DISPLACEMENT
60 tonnes
MERMAID ARTIST
Carol Trendell
Versatile in Sailing the East Coast of Australia
With help from designer Rick James, they set out to build a ship that was versatile in sailing the east coast of Australia and all sails could be managed from the deck. In doing this, they built an organisation that would create great sailing adventures for the public, and specifically students.
Passionate about Inspiring the Young and Young at Heart
She was launched on 23 September, 1993 and named 'South Passage' after the channel between Moreton and North Stradbroke Islands. Her maiden voyage with 24 voyagers was in December 1993.
Since then she has taken over 40,000 young people sailing on voyages varying from six hours to seven days. Our crew love what they do and are passionate about inspiring the young and young at heart.