Majestic Pitttwater is a terrific place to sail. To the west it is bordered by unspoilt national park with several walking trails and sheltered beaches while to the east is the peninsula that is Sydney’s splendid northern beaches from Newport through to Palm Beach and Barrenjoey lighthouse. If you sail north along the length of Pittwater, which takes between one to two hours, you enter the mouth of the Hawkesbury River bounded to the east by Lion Island and Barrenjoey Head. As you head west, going up river and leaving Pittwater behind, on your port side is the aforementioned national park with small, quiet beaches and various walking trails while on your starboard is the sleepy village of Patonga and, a little further on, a sheltered beach with a sport and recreation centre. You can turn north and continue up the river as far as the railway bridge near Brooklyn or, if you prefer, stay on a westward heading and explore Cowan Creek.