Competitive field taking shape for 78th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race
by Kerrin Schallmeiner 3 Mar 06:55 GMT
3 April 2026
Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race 2025 © Nigel Owen
Momentum continues to build for the 78th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, with a strong and diverse fleet assembling ahead of the Good Friday start on 3 April 2026.
The 308 nautical mile offshore passage from Brisbane to Gladstone remains one of the most respected challenges in Australian sailing, drawing experienced offshore crews as well as emerging teams stepping up to test themselves along the Queensland coast.
Among the yachts already entered are Balancing Act, Restless, Wild Thing 100, Spetsig and Troubadour, with further entries continuing as the start approaches.
Queensland Cruising Yacht Club Commodore David Hamilton said the steady growth in fleet entries reflected the race's enduring place on the offshore calendar.
"The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race has been a cornerstone of offshore sailing in Queensland for more than seventy-seven years," Commodore Hamilton said.
"It continues to attract a broad range of boats and crews, from highly competitive offshore campaigners to club level teams taking on this iconic passage."
Peter Kerr, skipper of Spetsig, said he is looking forward to lining up for this year's Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race following a strong performance in the Surf to City Yacht Race.
"After securing the IRC win in the Surf to City Yacht Race in the two-handed division with Rod Young, we are keen to carry that momentum into the Brisbane to Gladstone," Kerr said.
"It is a significant step up in distance and demands respect, but that is exactly what makes it appealing. The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is one you prepare for properly, and we are looking forward to the challenge."
The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is sailed for the Courier Mail Cup, the second oldest continuously awarded trophy in Australian offshore sailing and the major overall prize of the race.
Other major trophies include Line Honours, the Performance Handicap System Division and the Four Cities Cup, reflecting the depth of competition across the fleet.
Commodore Hamilton said the club was particularly keen to see continued growth in the Performance Handicap System division.
"We are encouraging more boats to take part under PHS and cruising divisions. There can only be one overall winner, but many competitors sail for the challenge of this stretch of coastline and the festive atmosphere that awaits in Gladstone on arrival," he said.
"Performance Handicap racing allows a wide range of yachts, regardless of size or design, to compete fairly on corrected time. It makes the Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race accessible to more sailors while maintaining strong competition across the fleet."
The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race forms part of the new South East Queensland Blue Water Series, linking key offshore races across the region.
The series includes the Surf to City Yacht Race run by Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in collaboration with Southport Yacht Club, the Julian Rocks Race conducted by Southport Yacht Club, the Brisbane to Bundaberg Race run by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, and the Gold Coast City Marina Gold Coast to Mackay Race. While each event plays an important role in the offshore calendar, the Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race remains the oldest and most coveted race within the series.
The finish in Gladstone remains a defining moment of the event, with the fleet welcomed as part of the city's Easter in Gladstone celebrations. As each yacht approaches the line, the MRQ Gladstone vessel greets competitors on the water while volunteers from the Port Curtis Sailing Club sound the finishing gun from the cliffs above the harbour.
The official race presentation will be held at the Port Curtis Sailing Club, a valued race supporter and favourite gathering place for sailors at the conclusion of the offshore passage.
Spectators can watch the start on the water or live on the official B2G YouTube channel and follow the fleet in real time via Yacht Tracker. The livestream is proudly brought to you by Gladstone Regional Council's Easter in Gladstone.
On Race Day, the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club will host the official Livestream Brunch from 10.00am to 12.00 noon, giving members of the public the opportunity to enjoy a meal while watching the start live on the big screen at the Club. Bookings are essential due to limited capacity.
The Queensland Cruising Yacht Club acknowledges Gladstone Ports Corporation as naming rights partner of the race, with valued support from Gladstone Regional Council through Easter in Gladstone, Adina Watches as Official Timekeeper and Northside Marine.
For full race details, spectator information and updates, visit www.brisbanetogladstone.com.