Showdown in Paradise

The Yacht Sales Co Sail Paradise 2026 is set for a major weekend of racing on the Gold Coast, with the regatta incorporating the Australian Yachting Championships for the first time.

Photography by Salty Dingo

02 October 2026

Hosted by Southport Yacht Club, Sail Paradise will bring national championship racing to Gold Coast waters, with crews from across Australia preparing for three days of competition from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 October. Australian Sailing confirms the championships form part of Sail Paradise for the first time in 2026.

The fleet will feature a mix of high-performance yachts and experienced campaigns, with Australian Yachting Championship titles and Sail Paradise divisional honours on the line.

A highlight will be the Cape 31 fleet, with the high-performance one-design class expected to produce fast, closely contested racing.

Sail Paradise combines offshore racing with one of Australia’s most recognisable coastal backdrops. Credit: Salty Dingo

Crew hike hard during Sail Paradise racing off the Gold Coast. Credit: Salty Dingo

The Sail Paradise fleet lines up against the Gold Coast skyline. Credit: Salty Dingo

Close racing and Gold Coast conditions provide the backdrop for Sail Paradise. Credit: Salty Dingo

The fleet battles for position on the waters off the Gold Coast. Credit: Salty Dingo

Crews put their weight on the rail during competitive Sail Paradise racing. Credit: Salty Dingo

A yacht powers downwind under spinnaker with the Gold Coast skyline providing a distinctive backdrop. Credit: Salty Dingo

Sail Paradise delivers close competition across a diverse fleet. Credit: Salty Dingo

Among those competing are Celestial skipper and former Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore Sam Haynes and internationally renowned professional sailor Robert Greenhalgh, adding considerable experience to the fleet.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Sail Paradise had established itself as an important event on the city’s sporting calendar.

“The Gold Coast is forging a reputation for hosting the best sports events and festivals in Australia. The Sail Paradise regatta fits the bill perfectly,” Tate said.

“This regatta is now the premier sailing event for our city and I applaud Southport Yacht Club and everyone behind the Yacht Sales Co Sail Paradise for their commitment to the sport.”

The program begins with the TREX Welcome Party at Southport Yacht Club on Friday evening before racing starts on Saturday.

Competition continues through to Monday 5 October, when the Australian Yachting Champions and Sail Paradise divisional winners will be decided.

The event also provides a showcase for the Gold Coast as a sailing destination, combining championship racing with the city’s coastline, waterways and shoreside attractions.

southportyachtclub.com.au

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