Coast Harbour Cruises runs the catamaran Coast, which is chartered exclusively to one group at a time on Sydney Harbour. Corporate events take up to 150 guests, with catering built into the package, and the main departure point is King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour. Routes pass Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Seminars and company events
The corporate charter is aimed at client entertaining, team celebrations, product launches, press functions and international guest entertaining. The website also lists conferences, government events, team building and anniversaries among the uses of the vessel. Corporate events are fully catered, and food and drink choices are available across packages, as are decor choices. The page does not describe presentation equipment, so ask about AV and microphones if your event includes speeches.
For a company year-end, Christmas packages are all-inclusive and can be tailored. Private charters during the Vivid festival are set up for 40 to 150 guests, with a 40-guest minimum, and run for 2.5, 3 or 4 hours from 6 p.m., with four hours on request. The Vivid boat is fully covered for all weather, with indoor heating and waitress service, and food and beverages can be tailored to dietary needs.
Other harbour events include New Year's Eve, Australia Day, yacht race spectator cruises and the Sydney Hobart start. The Australia Day cruise is limited to 130 guests for comfort, and these dated cruises are separate from a private charter, so check the current schedule.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings can take place entirely on the boat, with ceremony, reception and photos in one trip. The all-inclusive wedding package covers catering, entertainment and coordination. Birthday events, from 21sts to 60ths, include food and drinks and a DJ, which makes a standard reception format easy to adapt.
Rooms and capacities
There is one vessel and no separate rooms. The only capacity given for private events is up to 150 guests for corporate events, and 40 to 150 for Vivid charters. The site does not state capacities for weddings, birthdays or Christmas parties, so confirm the figure for your event and for a seated meal against a standing reception. Decks and seating layout are not described on the pages read.
Catering
Catering is included. Cruises described by the operator feature canapé menus, buffets prepared by in-house chefs, gourmet wraps and pies, antipasto platters and sweet items, with gluten-free options on canapé menus. Beer, wine, sparkling wine, spirits and soft drinks are served according to the package, and some cruises include a licensed bar with drinks for purchase. Ask which model applies to your charter.
Getting there
Most cruises board at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, and specific events use set wharves such as number 6 or 8. Boarding time, departure and return depend on the event, so fix them in writing when you book.
