Race start of the inaugural GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race
by Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race Organising Authority 1 Aug 2024 05:38 BST
1 August 2024
Against the dramatic beachfront skyline of Surfer's Paradise, a fleet of 20 yachts competing in the inaugural GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race got off to a spectacular start.
With a strong south westerly breeze and a two metre swell, Grant Wharington's 100 footer Wild Thing 100 led the fleet downwind under spinnakers from the start-line off Cavill Avenue.
Added interest in the minutes after the race start was provided by three VIPs, who jumped from the sterns of three yachts, being swiftly recorded by attentive chase boats.
The fleet heads north in a strengthening breeze and strong swell for the rest of the day, with the wind easing and backing gradually southeast.
Grant Wharington anticipates that Wild Thing 100 should cross the finish line within 38 hours from the start.