Challenging Conditions as the Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race fleet arrives in Gladstone
After a slow and strategic journey north, the leading yachts in the 77th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race began arriving in Gladstone late Sunday morning, following a light-wind start on Good Friday.
Crews faced long stretches of calm and tricky tidal conditions throughout the 308-nautical-mile course, making this year’s race one of the slower passages in recent memory. The fleet departed from Moreton Bay at 11.00 am on Friday 18 April, with the first boats crossing the finish line more than 48 hours later.
As of early Monday morning, nineteen yachts have finished, with the remaining fleet continuing their battle toward Gladstone Harbour. Some, including Amaya and Bolt out of the Blue, were anchored near the entrance to the harbour in a struggle against the tide.
“It’s been a real endurance test this year, with light and variable conditions stretching the fleet right across the course,” said Queensland Cruising Yacht Club Commodore, David Hamilton. “There’s been some impressive patience and seamanship on display, particularly from those still making their way into Gladstone. It’s a reminder that this race is as much about resilience as it is about speed.”
The official race presentation will take place at 10.30 am Monday, 21st April as part of Easter in Gladstone celebrations, with trophies including the prestigious Gladstone Regional Council Line Honours Trophy, Peter Holm Cup and the Courier Mail Cup for IRC Overall to be awarded to:
- Line Honours (Monohull) winner – Maritmo 52, skippered by Michael Spies
- Line Honours (Multihull) winner – Top Gun, skippered by Gregory Alder
- Courier Mail Cup for IRC Overall winner – Black Diamond, skippered by Glenn Burrell
- PHRF Division overall winner and winner of the PHRF Two handed division – Ryujin, skippered by Alex Twoomey
- OMR Multihull winner – Rushour, skippered Drew Carruthers
The Queensland Cruising Yacht Club thanks all participants, supporters, volunteers and partners, particularly naming rights partner Gladstone Ports Corporation, Gladstone Regional Council, for helping make the 77th race a success.
The Livestream of the start of the Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race is proudly brought to you by Gladstone Regional Council’s Easter in Gladstone and available to rewatch on our website, www.brisbanetogladstone.com
