In the former years of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, the Mayors of Redcliffe and Gladstone would send letters of greeting to each other via the yachts racing in the event. Whilst the tradition ceased over time, as a means of promoting the Gladstone and District Philatelic Society and fund raising, the Society produces Commemorative Covers.
For each Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race since 1982, with the exception of 1993, commemorative covers have been produced for both Mono and Multi Hull races. Each year the covers are carried in the race by a competing yacht. The front face of the cover includes a maritime pictorial representing the yacht and/or history of the race. The rear of the cover includes details of the yacht and society.
Before the race the covers are cancelled by the Sandgate post office. Once cancelled the covers are packaged and handed over to the skippers of the yachts to be carried to Gladstone during the race. Once the yachts arrive in Gladstone the covers are then presented back to the Philatelic Society and stamped with a commemorative seal indicating the date of arrival.
For 2016, Tam Faragher carried the mail on his yacht Kerumba. Presentation of the mail will be made by Tam to the Society President at the trophy presentations for the Race. For more information, or to purchase one of the limited release covers visit the societies webpage www.gdps.org.au
– Nigel Statham
