New race preview
The inaugural GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race, organised by the Southport Yacht Club, will commence 1 August, straight after the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast race in late July.
26 July 2024
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Australia’s Newest Ocean Race, the inaugural 520 nautical mile GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race, joins boats from the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast event and abroad to race their way up the tropical Queensland coast to the Whitsundays, just in time for the northern race weeks. A special ‘Race within the Race’ feature will see the Mayor of Mackay and other dignitaries race each other on select boats from Cavill Avenue to the GC Seaway, before taking a ‘step off the stern’ into the drink.
29 yachts have entered and range from 32 to 100-feet.
The GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race is a natural transitional race for competitors from around Australia heading north to compete at Airlie Beach Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week, and Magnetic Island Race Week.
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Unlike the marinas at Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, Mackay Marina Village offers abundant space, 4.5m LAT depth and state of the art slipyard facilities for safe berthing between events.
Supermaxi, Wild Thing 100 is the largest vessel and in stark contrast to the ultra-modern yacht, the stellar race line-up now also features Maritimo Katwinchar, the classic 32-foot timber former ketch built in 1904 in London’s Watney Brewery.
Grant Wharington, winner of the 2003 Rolex Sydney Hobart, bought the boat previously known as Beau Geste with co-owner Adrian Seiffert, renaming the Botin 80 design to Stefan Racing before its extension and relaunch as Wild Thing 100 in 2023.
“Being residents of the Gold Coast, we’re excited for the thrilling prospect of a spinnaker start with an offshore breeze, with our iconic skyline and beaches making for a fantastic spectator event,” said Wharington.
“We’re excited for the thrilling prospect of a spinnaker start with an offshore breeze, with the Gold Coast’s iconic skyline and beaches making for a fantastic spectator event,” he added.
Competing in the 1951 Sydney to Hobart, Katwinchar was found dilapidated by the Australian boat builders Maritimo, who lovingly and painstakingly restored her to its former glory with no expense spared, attracting quite the crowd when it competed in the 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart.
“We look forward to being part of the inaugural race, with the attraction and challenge of racing through the various islands up the Queensland coast presenting a fantastic experience not to be missed. And the sports-mad town of Mackay really knows how to put on a party!” said Michael Spies, who will be racing Maritimo Katwinchar double-handed with Peter Vaiciurgis, the multiple Australian dinghy racing champion.
Mackay Mayor, Greg Williamson, said, “Welcome, to all participants in the inaugural Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race. This is Australia’s newest ocean race and is an official Rolex Sydney to Hobart qualifier. The race will follow on from the Noakes Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race and will be an ideal lead-in for competitors to head north for the Hamilton Island or Magnetic Island race weeks.
“At race-end, the world-class Mackay Marina will come alive with live music and genuine Mackay hospitality. Then we invite you to stay on in our beautiful region and Discover Mackay.
“We have some incredible wildlife experiences unlike anywhere else in the world, like watching the wallabies on Cape Hillsborough beach at sunrise or spotting a platypus swimming in Broken River. When it’s time to relax, kick back with a sweet treat or exotic beverage distilled onsite at our award-winning Sarina Sugar Shed. Or visit one of our great restaurants or cafes offering a range of cuisines, from exotic to traditional, fusion to gourmet.
“Mackay Regional Council is pleased to support this event through our Invest Mackay Events Attraction program. It is a program that aims to promote the best of our region to locals and visitors alike.
“Good luck to all racegoers. We can’t wait to see you in Mackay!”
Southport Yacht Club Vice Commodore of Sail, Glenn Burrell said the timing of the Gold Coast Mackay race will create a real buzz of excitement both at the start and finish line, with Race Village preparations well under way.
The new race will also help feed boats into the northern race weeks, such as those hosted by Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
The Race will start 1 August, with an epic offshore start line straight off the beach in front of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. The Race Village at Mackay Marina opens Saturday 3 August through to Tuesday 6 August.
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