2020 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race postponed

The 2019 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast saw one of the largest fleets ever to take on the race © Andrea Francolini

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's 2020 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race has been postponed due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.

The challenging 384-nautical-mile coastal race has for many years brought together a strong fleet of yachts from across the country in one of the toughest annual tests prior to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The race marks the start of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore and the first big offshore contest of the year before crews head north to warmer waters.

"It has been a hard decision for the Club to make to postpone this year's race. The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast is such a big part of our offshore calendar, however, it is a decision that was needed in this time with the health and safety of competitors and various other stakeholders the absolute priority," CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham said.

"We would like to thank the continuing support and understanding from our race partner in Noakes Group and specifically Sean Langman, who has been a long-time supporter of both the Club and sailing community.

"It is our intention to reassess as the situation evolves and find a date which will allow us to undertake the race in a safe manner.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by coronavirus at present - and we would like to take the opportunity to once again thank the frontline workers, including the medical staff across NSW and around the country, for their tireless efforts in this unprecedented time."

The CYCA will endeavour to reschedule this year's race as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Details will be released through the official website goldcoast.cyca.com.au when they become available.

Race partner Noakes are continuing their work during this time as they are a key divisional supplier to Australia's Defence Forces and the local boating community.