Please select your home edition
Edition
Stoneways Marine 2021 - LEADERBOARD

BRISBANE TO GLADSTONE RACE HISTORY HONOURED.

by Ian Grant on 31 Jan 2001
The Brisbane-Gladstone Yacht Race, Queensland's premier blue water classic, has been selected as the feature aquatic sport event for The Centenary Of Federation celebrations in Queensland.

This popular 308 nautical mile ocean classic steeped in individual history will carry official Celebration Of Our Nation recognition with this year's 53rd race between both ports during the Easter holiday weekend

In many ways our national heritage is uniquely bonded with sailing and the maritime activities associated with the development of this sporting icon and the 100th birthday celebrations of our proud nation.

National pride will be a dominating theme when the thriving commercial ports of Brisbane and Gladstone join in the party mode for the special historical occasion.

As expected Flag Officers and members of the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club who have been responsible for hosting the classic race for the past 52 years realise the significant honour which has been granted to the event his year.

They are also proud of their role in promoting the sport of ocean racing and the unique history associated with the internationally famed classic.

Former Commodore, Race Director and popular Life Member Herb Prendergast enthusiastically expressed his appreciation. 'It's a major milestone for the Brisbane-Gladstone race, the sport of ocean racing and the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club'. He said.

This year's race will also record another remarkable entry in the racing log of the majestic ketch Laurabada when her second generation family skipper Doctor Ivan Holm sets her compass course for Gladstone for the 49th time.

No other yacht in the history of the sport can equal this amazing feat that started as a father's dream to become his devoted son's legacy.

There are no parallels to this legendary story, born from passion and determination to build a yacht on a strict 'Shoe-string' budget and sail on in the same event almost half a century later, with a record of continuity that is unequalled in the World of ocean racing.

Laurabada, which has sailed over 200,000 nautical miles, represents the real spirit of a family who are devoted to maintaining an unmatched love of the sport.

Her designer and builder the late Ivan Holm Sen. proudly stood watch at the helm for 43 consecutive Gladstone races simply to enjoy the fellowship of being at sea with his crew.

This tradition will continue to be respected when the legendary Laurabada sets sail on Good Friday morning for her 49th race.

As usual there will be the special 'toddy' of ships rum stowed in the liquor locker to toast another major milestone in her remarkable career and jointly celebrate the Centenary of Federation as she sails on her predicted rhumbline to Gladstone.

By Ian Grant.

Related Articles

Chris Geering Trophy at Overy Staithe
The weather forecast for the weekend had been causing some raised eyebrows The final weekend of the 2025 season saw a small but dedicated fleet turnout for the Chris Geering Trophy, sailed on the evening tide on 20 September.
Posted today at 5:08 am
New trophy for 2025 Six Metre Worlds
Presented by HM King Juan Carlos of Spain The Opening Ceremony for the 2025 International Six Metre Open and Classic World Championships saw the 29 participating teams from nine nations gather on the waterside lawn of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.
Posted today at 3:08 am
David Porter, King of Sydney Harbour in the 1970s
During one of the greatest eras in the 134-year history of the 18ft Skiff class During a 10-year career in the 18s from 1970-71 to 1979-80, inclusive, Dave Porter won the 1975 World Championship, three Australian and five NSW (State) championships as well as numerous club championships.
Posted today at 12:51 am
Another win for MACIF Santé Prévoyance
Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar victorious in Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération The British skipper Sam Goodchild, who was a key part of the crew on Biotherm that won The Ocean Race Europe, followed up with victory in the two-handed Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomération 48 Hours race today.
Posted on 20 Sep
Team Malizia ends on a high
Boris Herrmann's team fourth in The Ocean Race Europe After five legs, over 4,500 nautical miles, and six weeks of intense offshore racing, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 concluded today in Boka Bay, Montenegro. Team Malizia delivered a strong performance, climbing the overall leaderboard to finish fourth.
Posted on 20 Sep
A podium finish for Holcim-PRB
Team showed drive, consistent performance and commitment in The Ocean Race Europe After six weeks of racing, Holcim-PRB sailed its final race of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 today in Montenegro. With a third-place finish in the coastal race in Boka Bay, the Swiss boat secured a spot on the podium, claiming the bronze medal.
Posted on 20 Sep
Emirates GBR street fighting and scrapping
Race Day 1 of the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said it felt as though the team was "street fighting" and "scrapping for every metre" on Race Day 1 of the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix on Saturday.
Posted on 20 Sep
15th Défi Azimut - Acceleration and extension
Sleep? Dream on! The numerous videos posted by the OBRs (On-Board Reporters) on the Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération server this morning testify to the infinite patience and the depth of talent required by the crews to make the Occidentale de Sein.
Posted on 20 Sep
Richard Smallwood trophy at Frensham
2.4mRs, Hansas and a Stratos battle it out The Richard Smallwood Trophy is a two-day event set up in tribute to Richard Smallwood who was one of the leading lights in the creation and subsequent growth of disabled sailing at Frensham Pond in Surrey.
Posted on 20 Sep
Noble Marine Musto Skiff UK Nationals day 3
Eddie Bridle rises to the top of the chasing pack Racing today was held inside the harbour, owing to the fruity forecast predicting a hazardous return to Harbour over the infamous 'bar' in 20 kts and an ebb tide.
Posted on 20 Sep