Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race underway
by CYCA Media 26 Jul 06:41 UTC
26 July 2025
The 2025 NSGCYR started in picture-perfect winter weather - Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race © CYCA | Andrea Francolini
The start gun for the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race fired at 1300hrs sharp, sending the fleet off in stunning conditions. The early morning clouds and light rain gave way to brilliant winter sunshine and a picture-perfect 13-15 knots from the north, as competitors tacked towards Sydney Heads.
With what can only be described as "near-perfect" sailing conditions, the fleet made quick work of the Harbour. The larger yachts stretched their legs early, with two thrilling match-racing-style battles capturing attention: Wild Thing 100 vs Moneypenny, and Smuggler vs Highly Sprung. It was tack-for-tack racing, elbows out, with every metre fiercely contested.
Moneypenny held her own against Grant Wharington's Wild Thing 100, leading through most of the Harbour. But the 100-footer's extra 31 feet eventually made the difference, as Wild Thing 100 rolled past and charged into open water. She passed through Sydney Heads at 1321hrs, just 21 minutes after the start.
The first non-mini maxi to exit Sydney Harbour was Sebastian Bohm's Smuggler, skippered by Tim Davis. As the reigning champion of the 2024/25 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore, many eyes are on Bohm and his crew to see whether they can continue their impressive run of form. She was quickly followed by Highly Sprung, Koa, Antipodes, Frantic and Sticky.
The next group of yachts featured some of the first in the 40-foot range to make their way through, led by Daguet 2, Bushranger, Minerva and the US-entry Bacchanal. With more than half the fleet made up of boats between 40 and 52 feet, Division 1 and 2 promise to be highly competitive and tightly contested.
Of the 14 Double Handed teams, Avalanche, co-skippered by James Murchison and James Francis, led their division out through the Heads. With six Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Races under their belt on the boat, Murchison brings a wealth of experience to the double-handed scene. Avalanche is a yacht that will relish the reaching conditions forecast for the coming days.
Italian double-handed co-skippers Massimiliano Fonzo and Matteo Brignoli, sailing Voltstar Yeah Baby, last year's overall race winner, exited the Harbour at 1335hrs. For a duo with limited experience on the powerful Class40, it was an impressive result. They'll no doubt be smiling, with tomorrow's forecast set to bring the very conditions this yacht was built for.
A Game of Upwind Chess
As the fleet settles into their offshore rhythm, early signs point to a clear divide in race strategy. Some of the larger, planing yachts are opting to hedge their bets offshore, seeking stronger pressure and more consistent breeze, but have to deal with larger waves and more current. Meanwhile, others picked to hug the coastline, aiming to take advantage of the inshore current and calmer seas. It's a tactical split that could prove pivotal as the race unfolds.
Early Retirement
KD1, a Farr 40, has retired from the race at 1338hrs due to a torn main.
Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race Start Weather Forecast
*Forecast information from Bureau of Meteorology
Saturday 26 July | Sydney
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas: Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast and Illawarra Coast
- Winds: Northeasterly 20 to 30 knots turning north to northwesterly 15 to 25 knots during the morning and early afternoon.
- Seas: 2 to 3 metres. 1st Swell: Below 0.5 metres, tending northeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre.
- Weather: Cloudy. 95% chance of showers
Sunday 27 July | Seal Rocks
- Winds: Northwesterly 20 to 30 knots turning westerly during the evening.
- Seas: 1.5 to 2.5 metres.
- Swell: Northeasterly 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to around 1 metre during the morning.
- Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm.
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