Ichi Ban declared Overall Winner

Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban has won the Gladstone Ports Corporation’s 74th annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race overall on handicap.

19 April 2022

Ichi Ban last won the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race and the coveted Courier-Mail Cup in 2018, following its win in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race overall.

Ichi Ban was third across the finish line in a time of 18 hours 56 minutes and 14 seconds.

In a race of new records, Celestial, owned by Dr Sam Haynes, set a new record for a conventionally ballasted yacht, beating the previous elapsed time record. Celestial completed the 308 nautical mile race in 19 hours 24 minutes and 52 seconds.

Peter Harburg’s Black Jack took line honours, breaking its own race record that had been held since 2018. Black Jack crossed the Gladstone Harbour finish line at 3.13am on Easter Saturday, 16 April, taking line honours.

The largest of the 37 strong race fleet, Black Jack eclipsed its previous 16 hours, 53 minutes and 57 seconds, setting a new race record of 16 hours, 13 minutes and 56 seconds.

Peter Harburg and Mark Bradford celebrate with the Black Jack crew.

Black Jack beat its own race record, which had been held since 2018.

Celestial set a new record for a conventionally ballasted yacht.

Ichi Ban's Captain, Tim Sellars holding the well-deserved Courier-Mail Cup.

Ichi Ban last won the Brisbane to Gladstone in 2018.

Alive crossed shortly after Black Jack in a time of 17 hours, 3 minutes and 48 seconds.

As at 12pm on Easter Saturday, five of the 37 race fleet starters have finished the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race: Black Jack in first, Alive in second, Stefan in third, Ichi Ban in fourth and Celestial in fifth.

Two race yachts were forced to withdraw during the race, Not A Diamond due to a broken rudder and Ignition because of a broken forestay. A third yacht, Crankster was delayed at Caloundra dropping an injured crew member off for medical treatment, but was back in the race shortly after.

The official presentation ceremony was held at the Gladstone Regional Council’s Brisbane to Gladstone Village.

Ian Gidlow, Commodore of race organising club, Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) says from start to finish it was one of the most remarkable races in the 74-year history of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

“This year’s race was particularly important after COVID having disrupted yacht racing in Australia and to see the highest calibre yachts compete was impressive,” Gidlow said.

“Next year the race celebrates 75 years and we look forward to welcoming all our entrants back and more offshore racing yachts from around Australia and overseas.”

brisbanetogladstone.com

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