One month till close of entries into Mackay ‘25. Join them by July 18!

GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2025 © Southport Yacht Club

Today marks one month till close of entries into Mackay '25!

If you missed out on the inaugural GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2024 race, you and your sponsors are going to love the spinnaker start on August 1, with the freedom of navigational options on offer up the tropical Queensland coastline this winter. Finishing during the Mackay Festival of Arts, the abundant benefits for entrants make this a smart choice compared to a delivery or cruise north!

#GCMYR25 is the new Category 2 race following the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast, and is an official Rolex Sydney Hobart qualifier. Born from the perennial needs of skippers and owners who head north to compete at the Whitsundays race weeks, 2025 entries have now surpassed the 2024 fleet size!

Join 26+ entrants who have already signed up, including the 2024 Line Honours defending champion supermaxi Wild Thing 100, as well as entries from the United States and New Zealand! Need a nudge? Check out this highlight reel:

IRC / ORC / PHS / 2-Handed / Multihull OMR
Load up on these benefits

Entrants in 2025 will enjoy stress-free access and amenity to all race preparation needs, including:

• Free berthing at Southport Yacht Club before the race,
• Free multi-day berthing post-race at Mackay Marina, just a short sail from the following race weeks,
• Discounted boat lift and hardstand rates at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard for use within 180 days,
• 24/7 Race Control providing safety overwatch north,
• Discounted MOB1 & PLB3 gear from Bosuns Locker,
• 25% discounted accommodation at the brand new and nearby TRYP hotel by Wyndham Southport,
• Gear Truck & secure luggage room in Mackay,
• Exclusive accommodation rates at Mantra Mackay,
• Courtesy vehicles for crew supplies post-race,
• Free crew tee upon arrival in Mackay,
• Free burgers and beers upon arrival,
• An after hours BBQ for overnight arrivals,
• Quality merch and crew apparel
• A fantastic Race Village atmosphere at Mackay Marina, with support from the revitalized Mackay Sailing Club,
• Magnificent trophies you'll want to get your hands on,
• Generous prizes from sponsors, including the award-winning rum from Sarina Sugar Shed,
• Official qualification for the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2025,
• Race finishes during the Mackay Festival of Arts,
• Live Tracking by Yellow Brick,
• Photography by Salty Dingo,
• Videography & Live Broadcasting by Down Under Sail,
• Spectator Sweepstake by Triple M Whitsundays and HitFM Gold Coast,
• More to be announced soon!

GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race - photo © Linda Caerdinael

The Start

Featuring an iconic start line straight off Cavill Avenue in the centre of Surfers Paradise, lined by beachgoers and Australia's tallest residential towers, you and your crew can expect an unbeatable spectator and media event kickoff. With a proper offshore spinnaker start, 2024 did not disappoint!

The Destination

Mackay Marina Village offers abundant space, minimum 4.5m LAT depth and state of the art boat lift and yard facilities for entrants needing an economical and secure berth before the northern race weeks.

And our race finishes during the Mackay Festival of Arts, with a larger weekend market planned at the marina.

With Mackay Airport offering convenient access nearby and sponsorship from Mackay Regional Council, our Race Village with spectator access to the breakwater wall will be the place to be when you cross the finish line.

Organising Authority

Established in 1946, Southport Yacht Club is home of the spectacular offshore Sail Paradise Regatta and the only yacht club in Australia to operate four sailing and clubhouse venues. Featuring lake, inshore, offshore and an exclusive island retreat, SYC offers sailing facilities for all ages and abilities and supports Australia's largest Sailing Academy - the birthplace of Olympic champions.

With the generous support of strategic partners and sponsors, we're building the Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race into not only the club's iconic flagship event, but a must-do fixture on the Australian, NZ and South Pacific racing calendar.

Join now by July 18!