Please select your home edition
Edition
A+T Instruments 2024 Leaderboard

Excitement builds for the start of the 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 26 Jul 2024 09:00 UTC From 27 July 2024
Start of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race © Andrea Francolini

The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is set to start on July 27, 2024 at 1300hrs. Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), this year's race promises thrilling competition and exceptional seamanship as 51 yachts, including 13 Double Handed boats, prepare to embark on the challenging 384-nautical mile course from Sydney Harbour to the Gold Coast.

The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is one of Australia's premier offshore yacht races, attracting top-tier sailors and vessels from around Australia. Participants will navigate the picturesque yet demanding coastline, testing their skills and endurance against the elements.

Key Highlights:

  • Diverse Fleet: The race features a diverse fleet of 51 yachts, ranging from cutting-edge racing machines to seasoned ocean cruisers. The inclusion of 13 Double Handed entries highlights the growing interest in this demanding and strategic category.

  • Notable Competitors: The lineup includes several renowned yachts and seasoned crews, all vying for line honours and handicap victories. The competitive spirit and camaraderie among participants promise an exhilarating event for both sailors and spectators. URM Group, the defending champion, is no doubt eye-ing down the Line Honours victory. CYCA Director David Griffith's J/V62 Whisper will also be in the fight for line honours. Rupert Henry's Mistral competes as a strong double handed contestant, after claiming Double Handed IRC honours in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart. Other notable double handed entries include Iam Smith's Jupiter and Shane Connelly's Rum Rebellion.

  • Spectator Opportunities: The race start will be a visual feast for onlookers, with Sydney Harbour providing a stunning backdrop. Spectators can witness the fleet's departure from various vantage points around the harbour, including the iconic Sydney Heads. For the best on-water visibility spectators can book a ticket on the CYCA Official Spectator Vessel.

  • Challenging Conditions: The course presents a variety of challenges, from navigating coastal currents and winds to enduring the unpredictability of the open ocean. Competitors will need to demonstrate exceptional navigational skills and teamwork to succeed. The smaller yachts in the fleet are anticipating strong winds this year, providing a fast ride up the coast.

  • Race Coverage: Fans and supporters can follow the race in real-time through comprehensive coverage on the official race website and CYCA's social media channels. Live tracking, updates, and engaging content will keep everyone informed and entertained throughout the event.

Commodore Sam Haynes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming race, stating, "The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is a great race. I had the honour of winning this race in 2014 with my son onboard Celestial. I wish all the competitors the best of luck during the race."

As the countdown to the start continues, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the storied history of Australian offshore racing.

For more information, please visit the official race website at goldcoast.cycaracing.com.

Related Articles

Shop the Aktiv Stretch Mid Layers
A collection of high-performing, responsibly made essentials The Aktiv Stretch Mid Layer range is a collection of high-performing, responsibly made essentials, offering warmth, comfort and flexibility on land or sea with quick-drying, moisture-wicking and thermal-regulating properties. Posted today at 4:00 pm
Top must-read Pacific Islands stories of 2024
Take a look at some of the most important and inspiring stories We've shared many great stories throughout 2024. Among these stories are our staff favorite reads of 2024. Posted on 8 Feb
J/40 Boat Tour at boot Düsseldorf
Mark Jardine looks at the yacht with Frédéric Bouvier from J/Composites Mark Jardine, Managing Editor of Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com took a tour around the J/40 during boot Düsseldorf 2025 with Frédéric Bouvier from J/Composites. Posted on 7 Feb
ArtExplorer Catamaran named Multihull of the Year
In Boat International Design & Innovation Awards The prestigious Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2025, bringing together the leading figures of the yachting world, have once again honored the finest achievements in naval architecture, style, design, and technological innovation. Posted on 7 Feb
Noonsite DAFF survey announcement
Have you sailed to Australia in the last 3 years? The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) are currently developing biofouling management options for international non-commercial vessels, so that yacht owners can manage the risks before coming to Australia. Posted on 7 Feb
OCC Awards Conservation Challenge Grant
The Ocean Cruising Club is pleased to support Free Range Ocean The Ocean Cruising Club is pleased to support Free Range Ocean with a Conservation Challenge Grant towards the development of its directory of Ocean Citizen Science Projects. Posted on 6 Feb
Mediterranean Sea outlook - January update
The season is well and truly mothballed, noonsite world love to get your feedback Help us expand our Wintering in the Mediterranean report with details of where you have chosen to keep your boat in the off season. Posted on 5 Feb
Seldén Mast announces three key appointments
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in sailing and marine industries Seldén Mast, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of yacht masts, rigging and related systems, is delighted to announce three pivotal appointments to its team. Posted on 4 Feb
Barton Marine Launch New Continuous Line Furler
Designed to provide optimum performance for dinghies and small yachts Designed to provide optimum performance for dinghies and small yachts in even the most challenging conditions, the robust, lightweight and stylish Furler introduces innovative hybrid-bearing technology for the first time. Posted on 4 Feb
Atlantic Ocean outlook - January update
How risky is crossing the Atlantic? Planning on cruising the Iberian Peninsula or Biscay next season? Don't miss this free CA webinar, "Understanding the threat of Orcas when sailing", on 11 February at 1930 hrs GMT. Posted on 2 Feb
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERHenri-Lloyd - For the ObsessedCrewsaver 2021 Safetyline FOOTER