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Sydney 2020 SailGP FAQ’s

How can I buy a ticket for SailGP?
Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.sailgp.com/sydney

How do I get my tickets?
Tickets will be emailed to you at the time of purchase. Tickets will be scanned at the gates for fast entry - either on your mobile device or printed

When does the racing take place?
Racing takes place from 1500-1700 on Friday and 1600-1800 on Saturday. Three races are scheduled per day and a public exclusion zone will be in place each day starting one hour prior to racing

What happens if the event is cancelled?
Should SailGP cancel the event, information about refund options will be issued at place of purchase

Will this event take place rain or shine?
This event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather conditions please check the www.sailgp.com/sydney website for updates

What about the Australian bushfires?
Please see SailGP’s statement here, and check the website for updates

If I don’t have a ticket where can I see the racing?
You can watch the racing live on Fox Sports 507 & Kayo Sports at the following times:
Friday 28 February 1530-1700 AEDT
Saturday 29 February 1630-1800 AEDT
See the SailGP website and social media for more information & updates

What if I can’t find my ticket or confirmation?
Please contact Ticketmaster directly
https://help.ticketmaster.com.au/hc/en-au/categories/360000306698-Digital-Ticket-Delivery

Where can I park?
Public parking will be available for all ticket options:
Onwater: Secure Car Parking at King Street Wharf - 1 Shelley St, Sydney
Island Arena: Wilson Parking - Sydney Opera House - 2A Macquarie St, Sydney
Parking map will be available on sailgp.com one month prior to event date. Visitors are advised to use public transport.

What if I have a question about the spectator experiences or Sydney SailGP?
Please visit www.sailgp.com/sydney or email sydney@sailgp.com

Can I get a refund?
Please read the Refund Policy on our website https://sailgp.com/races/sydney/sailgp-ticket-refund-policy-2020/

OFFICIAL VIEWING AREA - ISLAND ARENA

What and Where?
The Island Arena on Shark Island is literally in the middle of the action and offers the ultimate experience with the best vantage point to view all of the races. The area will be transformed into an exclusive spectator venue complete with screens showing live race coverage and commentary. Tickets for this experience are limited.

How do I get to the Island?
The Island Arena tickets include a return ferry transfer to/from Shark Island departing from Man O'War Steps, Sydney CBD.

What time does the ferry shuttle depart and return to Man O'War Steps?

  • Island Premium Pass - FRIDAY 28/02
    Departs Man O'War Steps at 1.20pm (IMPORTANT: please arrive 30mins prior to departure time)
    Return Ferry departs Island Arena, Shark Island at 5.05pm to return to Man O'War Steps

  • Island Access Pass - FRIDAY 28/02
    Departs Man O'War Steps at 1.35pm (IMPORTANT: please arrive 30mins prior to departure time)
    Return Ferry departs Island Arena, Shark Island at 5.30pm to return to Man O'War Steps

  • Island Premium Pass - SATURDAY 29/02
    Departs Man O'War Steps, Sydney CBD at 2.20pm (IMPORTANT: please arrive 30mins prior to departure time)
    Return ferry transfer departs Island Arena, Shark Island at 6.15pm to return to Man O'War Steps

  • Island Access Pass - SATURDAY 29/02
    Departs Man O'War Steps, Sydney CBD at 2.35pm (IMPORTANT: please arrive 30mins prior to departure time)
    Return ferry transfer departs Island Arena, Shark Island at 6.45pm to return to Man O'War Steps

Please note: to provide the best experience possible, our departure times are strictly observed so please ensure you arrive promptly. The boats cannot wait for late-comers.

Due to the Maritime enforced exclusion zone, no water Taxis or private vessels will be able to cross through to the official viewing area on Shark Island after 2pm on Friday 28 February and 3pm on Saturday 29 February. Missing the ferry transfer included in your ticket may result in you being unable to travel to Shark Island. You will not be provided with a refund for missing the scheduled ferry transfer.

Can I bring the kids?
This is an over 18 only event. Only Patrons with valid Photo ID will be admitted.

Where do I board?
Men O'War Steps - Farm Cove Street, Sydney NSW 2000
ManOWar Steps

How long does it take to get to Shark Island from Man O'War Steps?
Approximately 25 minutes

Boarding Information
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure

What is the best public transit route to Man O'War Steps ?
We encourage the use of public transportation where possible. Buses, ferries and trains are available, depending on where you are coming from. Please see map for the best options from your starting point here

Where can I park?
Wilson Parking - Sydney Opera House - 2A Macquarie St, Sydney is close by.

Visitors are advised to use public transport where possible

Disability Access
Due to the limitations of the wharf on Shark Island, a permanent accessibility option to allow the use of wheelchairs on the island has not yet been identified and put in place by the Office of Environment & Heritage. Therefore, we will liaise with each person on a case by case basis so that we can work through your needs and requirements and look at whether we can accommodate these to support you in coming along to the event. If you are able to provide us some additional information this will help us determine whether this may be a possibility – please contact us at sydney@sailgp.com

What is the dress code?
Smart casual

Will there be food at Island Arena?
Yes, a gourmet picnic hamper from Pop Up Picnic and premium open bar are included in the Island Premium Pass. Island Access Pass ticket holders can purchase picnic hampers and snack boxes from Pop Up Picnic either in advance via Ticketmaster or on-site

This a fully licensed event
This means that you must be of the legal drinking age of 18+ to attend. Please note that external food & drink cannot be taken onto Shark Island, and bags will be checked prior to departure.

Are pets allowed?
Only trained assistance animals such as guide dogs are permitted on Shark Island. Please contact sydney@sailgp.com prior to purchasing your ticket to ensure your assistance animal is permitted on Shark Island in accordance with the Office of Environment & Heritage

Are water stations available?
Yes there will be water stations available at the Island Arena

May I smoke?
No, Shark Island is a National Park venue, no smoking is allowed anywhere on the island nor on the ferry transfers at any time.

Is there a toilet on Shark Island and onboard the ferry?
Yes, toilets are available both on the ferry and on Shark Island

What should I bring with me?

  • Please make sure you wear suitable footwear as the island can be rugged in places. Safety and comfort first
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Refillable water bottles, empty drinking container

What is not allowed?
There will be a security check at Man O’War Steps and prohibited items will be confiscated. SailGP does not take responsibility for confiscated items.

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Illegal substances
  • Alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks - this includes water, juice, soft drinks etc. Island Arena Premium Pass holders have access to a free bar. Island Arena Access Pass holders have access to a paid bar. There are water stations on the Island where you can refill your own water bottle
  • Food (a picnic hamper and beverages are included in the Island Premium Pass and will be available for purchase for Island Access Pass ticket holders)
  • Glass of any kind
  • Video equipment (no video recording will be allowed)
  • Professional still camera equipment with detachable lens longer than 2 inches, tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs
  • Audio recording equipment
  • Bicycles, skateboards, scooters or personal motorized vehicles
  • Fireworks and explosives
  • Instruments and laser pointers
  • Selfie sticks, including GoPro sticks
  • Spray paint, large markers, Aerosol Cans
  • Tents, tables and chairs
  • Drones
  • Totems or flags
  • Large inflatables
  • Umbrellas

What happens in bad weather?
Please note this is an outdoor event and will proceed rain, hail or (no) shine. The island will be affected by the prevailing weather conditions so come prepared. The event will only be cancelled if the weather conditions become extreme and dangerous on the day of the event or in the lead-up. Please note that an assessment regarding cancellation may be made on the event day itself, not necessarily in advance. Attendees should check the SailGP website and social media before departing for the event for updates. Please see here for SailGP’s statement on the Australian bushfires.

Will I be able to buy tickets on the day?
Sydney SailGP Island Arena has a limited number of tickets and the Island’s capacity is strictly capped. If tickets are not sold out prior to the event, they will be available until 12.00pm on each day

No swimming at this event
Shark Island is located on a busy harbour. There is a no swimming policy in place for the duration of this event

Can I leave the island once I’m there/Are pass outs available?
Shark Island is located in the middle of the SailGP race course, and in the middle of the event exclusion zone. You will not be able to depart Shark island until the exclusion zone is inactive, at 1700 Friday and 1800 Saturday.

What if I hurt myself whilst I am on the Island?
First Aid is available on the island. Please ask Security, Event staff or First Aid officers for help. Please consider others as well as your own safety. If someone is in need of medical attention please let Security, Event staff or First Aid know so they can help. Safety comes first.

What if I want to leave the island before the event finishes?
You will not be able to leave the island early due to the event exclusion zone in place on the Harbour

Photography

  • Media and professional photographers must arrange accreditation through sydney@sailgp.com for access to media locations
  • There will be photography and filming taking place at Shark Island. If you do not wish to be captured please notify a member of staff
  • Please be mindful of those around you and respect their privacy

What is the route/race map?

Conditions of entry

  • This is an over 18’s event. Entry will be refused to persons under the age of 18
  • Admission to the event will only be granted upon presentation of a ticket
  • It is a condition of entry that all patrons present a valid and acceptable form of photo identification (Australian Drivers Licence, passport or RTA endorsed proof of age card)
  • As this is a licensed venue, entry will be refused to people who are intoxicated and/or disorderly
  • Patrons choosing to bring valuables to the venue do so at their own risk
  • Any patron may be required to undergo search, pat down, bag check and / or metal detector search at the wharf and/or during the event. A person who refuses to undergo such a search, pat down and/or bag check may be prohibited from entering the event without being entitled to a refund of the admission fee, or such a visitor may be immediately removed from the event
  • There are no pass outs
  • This is an all weather event and will proceed in the case of rain, hail or (no) shine. No refund will be provided
  • There is no smoking at this event as you are on National Parklands
  • SailGP maintains a zero tolerance drug policy
  • SailGP maintains a zero tolerance policy to dangerous, abusive and/or threatening behaviour – anyone showing these behaviours will be ejected from the island at their own expense
  • Intoxicated persons will be removed from the island at their own expense
  • SailGP reserves the right to refuse entry to any persons who breach the Conditions of Entry

ON-WATER SPECTATOR BOATS FAQ

SailGP has partnered exclusively with Captain Cook Cruises as the Official Spectator Boat Partner for Sydney SailGP.

What and Where?
Sydney SailGP Official Spectator Boats depart from King Street Wharf No. 1 Darling Harbour, approx 8-minute walk north of Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and only a short walk from
Wynyard via the new Wynyard Walk.
Please present your ticket to SailGP staff at King St Wharf No.1 to gain entrance. You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure and bring valid photo identification, as the venue reserves the right to require it for entry.
We regret the vessel cannot wait for late arrivals. Unauthorised duplication or sale of your ticket may prevent you from being admitted into the event

What time do we board and how long will we be on the water?
Captain Cook Cruises Wharf at King Street Wharf No. 1 Darling Harbour.
Captain Cook

What time does the vessels depart and return to King Street Wharf?
The below times are valid for On-Water Go Premium and On-Water Go vessels:

  • Friday 28th February
    Depart King Street Wharf #1 punctually at 1.30pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time and always check your email for updates.
    Return to King Street Wharf No1, Sydney CBD by 6.00pm

  • Saturday 29 February
    Depart King Street Wharf #1 punctually at 2.30pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time and always check your email for updates.
    Return to King Street Wharf No1, Sydney CBD by 7.00pm

Public Transportation
We encourage the use of public transportation where possible. Buses, ferries and trains are available, depending on where you are coming from. Please see map for the best options from your starting point here

Where is the nearest parking?

  • Secure Car Parking - 1 Shelley St, Sydney, 2000
  • Wilson's Parking 383 Kent Street, Sydney, 2000

What is prohibited on the boat?

  • Alcohol
  • Pets (other than trained assistance animals such as a guide dog) - please contact sydney@sailgp.com prior to purchasing your ticket to ensure your assistance animal
  • Drugs and illicit substances
  • Weapons
  • SailGP does not take responsibility for confiscated items
  • Important: We recommend bringing a windbreaker jacket, sun protection and a cap/hat

Can we bring our own drinks?
Drinks may not be brought onboard. All vessels are licensed premises with bar facilities available. Please refer to Captain Cook Cruises’ Responsible Service of Alcohol Policy.

Do the spectator boats provide food & beverages during the cruise?

  • On-Water Go: non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. It is unlawful to bring alcohol aboard. Captain Cook has a fully licensed bar onboard each vessel. You can bring your own picnic onboard
  • On-Water Go Premium: a selection of local menus served buffet style as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available as a part of your experience. It is unlawful to bring alcohol aboard.

Is wheelchair access available?
Please click here to view Captain Cook Cruises' Accessibility Policy.

Are there facilities for Children?
All children under 18 years must be escorted by adults. Children are welcome to cruise, however please keep in mind that you are on the vessel for several hours and sometimes children do get restless. Infants under 4 years are free of charge.

What if it is raining or the weather is bad?
The Official Spectator Boats will operate regardless of the weather. Vessel features include comfortable all-weather lounges with expansive viewing windows. Should the event be cancelled for any reason you will be contacted with further details.

Are seats assigned?
There is no assigned seating for the On Water Go Vessels, guests can move freely around the vessel. For the On Water Premium Vessel, reserved seating will be assigned.

What is the dress code?
Smart casual

Are Cameras allowed?
Cameras allowed however any/all standing equipment, tripods or equipment that obstructs the view of other passengers is strictly prohibited

Photography

  • Media and professional photographers must arrange accreditation through sydney@sailgp.com for access into media locations.
  • There might be photography and filming taking place on spectator boats. If you do not wish to be captured please notify a member of our crew.
  • Please be mindful of those around you and respect their privacy.

What is the route/race map?

Is there a bathroom?
Yes. Each of our boats has a bathroom.

Are life jackets available?
Yes. Each of our boats operates with the required number of life jackets.

May I smoke aboard?
No. Smoking is not allowed on our boats at any time.

Date Changes and Cancellation Fees
Date changes, refunds, cruise credits and cancellations are not permitted. 100% cancellation fee applies to all bookings.

Conditions of Carriage
Please check Captain Cook Cruises Conditions of Carriage

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

How do I get to and from SailGP Guided Public Tours (Cockatoo Island)?

Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour. It's located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Hop on a ferry

Catching a public ferry is the easiest way to visit Cockatoo Island. Harbour City Ferries run regular services to Cockatoo Island every day of the week, departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, as well as from wharves along the F3 Parramatta River ferry route. You’ll find the latest ticket information, including prices, timetables and purchase locations, click here https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry

You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi, private boat or kayak

Where do I go for my Guided Public Tour?
When you arrive by ferry, you’ll notice the Visitor Centre near the Parramatta Wharf, there will be signs to direct you to the check-in tent. Your tour guide will be waiting for you 30 minutes prior to your session start time. Make sure you have your ticket ready for scanning. Digital or printed tickets accepted

Are cameras allowed?
Cameras allowed however any/all standing equipment, tripods or equipment that obstructs the view of other passengers is strictly prohibited

Can I bring food?
You can bring your snacks to Cockatoo Island. It is unlawful to bring alcohol to Cockatoo Island. A fully licensed cafe is available near the Tour check in desk

Is there a bathroom?
Yes

May I smoke at Cockatoo Island?
Yes, outside in designated areas

Accessibility
As a former industrial site, Cockatoo Island features occasional uneven surfaces, voids, trip hazards and cliffs. Please mind your step, keep a close watch over children and take care at all times.
Most of the island is wheelchair-friendly, with accessible toilets on both the lower and upper island – though please beware of the steep incline to the top, with some uneven surfaces and wheelchair-inaccessible buildings along the way.
The Guided Public Tour route is wheelchair accessible although we suggest a moderate level of fitness.

Lockers
For the convenience of day visitors, you’ll find coin-operated lockers in the Muster Station near Parramatta Wharf.

SailGP does not take responsibility for your valuables.

Visitor Regulations
SailGP Technical Area is a working site and has restricted and accredited access requirements. Please stay with your Guide and keep within the public access areas. Public access areas may be further restricted at times to allow for the operational movements of the F50’s. This will be an exciting time so if this happens during your Guided Tour please follow the instructions of your guides, and enjoy this special moment.

Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site – please take care and watch out for:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Voids
  • Trip hazards
  • Cliffs

Please don’t bring the following onto the island:

  • Alcohol – it can be purchased at Societe Overboard Cafe and the Cockatoo Island Marine Cafe and consumed within the licensed area
  • Portable BBQs and no lighting of fires
  • Animals (except guide dogs)
  • Skateboards and rollerblades (bicycles and scooters are allowed)
  • Drones or remote controlled vehicles and aircraft

Please consider others and don’t:

  • Smoke in buildings or within five metres of cafes
  • Enter construction areas
  • Climb on cliffs or historic structures
  • Fish from the island or within the exclusion zone
  • Camp outside of the designated campground

A permit must be obtained in advance with the Federal Harbour Trust to do the following:

  • Erecting gazebos or marquees
  • Performing commercial activities
  • Holding private functions
  • Playing amplified music

What should I bring with me

  • Please make sure you wear suitable footwear as the island can be rugged in places. Safety and comfort first
  • Sunscreen and a hat

Can I bring the kids?
Absolutely bring the entire family, this is a ticketed event all ages are welcome, children under the age of 4 years do not require a ticket but must be accompanied by a responsible adult in possession of a SailGP Guided Public Tour ticket.

Bag Checks

  • In the interest of maintaining visitor safety, rangers and security personnel stationed on the island enforce the Harbour Trust's rules and regulations, including the no BYO alcohol policy. Relevantly, our rangers will undertake random bag checks as visitors arrive at Cockatoo Island, and are empowered to confiscate prohibited items, including alcohol, portable BBQs and skateboards.
  • Harbour Trust rangers and security will request that you surrender any alcohol before the bag check commences. Any item you surrender will be placed in the rangers and security office for you to pick up on departure.
  • If you do not surrender your prohibited items and an item is found during the bag check, you can be fined up to $340.
  • If you decline a bag check you will be asked to leave the island on the next ferry.
  • Security and rangers also patrol the campground area.

Will I be able to buy tickets on the day?
This is a ticketed event and tickets are limited. It is advisable to obtain your tickets from sailgp.com/sydney before arriving on the island.

Photography
Photography and filming will be taking place at Cockatoo Island. If you do not wish to be captured please notify a member of our crew.
We would love to share your experience on our Behind the Scenes Tour on Cockatoo Island for Sydney SailGP 2020 please feel free to email your pictures into sydney@sailgp.com or tag @sailgp. By doing so you are granting SailGP to use your images for marketing and promotional purposes. Please be mindful of those around you and respect their privacy.

Refund Policy

  • 100% refund if Spectator Boat doesn’t leave dock.
  • 75% refund if Spectator Boat leaves dock, but event is abandoned before First Race is started (unless the local boat operator decides, in its absolute discretion and after leaving the dock, that a leisure excursion of 3 hours should take place as a replacement for the First Race).
  • 0% refund if Spectator Boat leaves dock and First Race is started.
  • 3-day tickets: Refunds will be paid pro-rata (based on the number of days) if cancellation happens on one or more of the days of the scheduled racing.

What is the route/race map?

Is there a bathroom?
Yes. Each of our boats has a bathroom.

Are seats assigned?
The Onwater Go Premium has reserved seating.

Are life jackets available?
Yes. Each of our boats operates with the required number of life jackets.

May I smoke aboard?
No. Smoking is not allowed on our boats at any time.

Where do I board?
Captain Cook Cruises wharf at King Street Wharf 1, Sydney NSW 2000
Map3

Boarding Information
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure

Departure time
13:30 Friday and Saturday

Public Transportation
Buses, ferries and trains are available, depending on where you are coming from. Please see map for the best options from your starting point here

What is the nearest parking?

  • Secure Car Parking - 1 Shelley St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Wilson's Parking 383 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Are the boats ADA accessible?
Please call + 61 2 9206 1111 or contact sydney@sailgp.com if you require special assistance

Do the spectator boats provide food & beverages during the cruise?
A selection of local menus served buffet style as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available as a part of your experience.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR QUESTIONS

Cameras allowed however any/all standing equipment, tripods or equipment that obstructs the view of other passengers is strictly prohibited

You can bring your snacks to Cockatoo Island. It is unlawful to bring alcohol to Cockatoo Island. A fully licensed cafe is available near the Tour check in desk.

Refund Policy

  • 100% refund if Spectator Boat doesn’t leave dock.
  • 75% refund if Spectator Boat leaves the dock, but event is abandoned before First Race is started (unless the local boat operator decides, in its absolute discretion and after leaving the dock, that a leisure excursion of 3 hours should take place as a replacement for the First Race).
  • 0% refund if Spectator Boat leaves dock and First Race is started.
  • 3-day tickets: Refunds will be paid pro-rata (based on the number of days) if cancellation happens on one or more of the days of the scheduled racing.

Is there a bathroom?
Yes.

May I smoke at Cockatoo Island?
Yes, outside the team base tour in designated areas

Public Transportation
Cockatoo Island is served Sydney Ferries. Please make sure you arrive at the Island 10 minutes before the start of your tour. For information on ferry schedules, please check here