Newcastle fleet gears up for Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race
by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club 22 Jul 2025 19:21 NZST
26 July 2025
Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race © Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
Seven vessels representing Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) will compete in the prestigious Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race this Saturday, 26 July, marking a significant milestone for the Club and its offshore racing cohort.
The 384-nautical-mile race, conducted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) in partnership with Southport Yacht Club, is regarded as one of the most important events on Australia’s ocean racing calendar. It serves as a critical lead-up to the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, attracting seasoned campaigners and ambitious newcomers alike.
Flying the NCYC burgee will be Frantic, Mako, Inner Circle, She’s the Culprit, KD1, Vérité (Double-Handed), and Summer Salt, all aiming to conquer the challenging course that stretches from Sydney Harbour to Queensland’s Southport.
“It’s really inspiring to see this many vessels from Newcastle commit to the race,” said NCYC Sailing Manager Jack Buchan. “This year, we make up more than 10% of the entire fleet, which speaks volumes about the dedication of our local sailors and the calibre of our Club’s offshore program.”
Among the entries is She’s the Culprit, owned by Glen ‘Cyril’ Picasso and other syndicate members, who are returning to the race after a dramatic 2024 campaign. “Last year, we were dismasted off the coast of Coffs Harbour, so we’re approaching this race with cautious optimism,” said Picasso. “We’re excited to put our new boat through its paces in a lengthy offshore contest.”
For Summer Salt, this year’s race holds special significance. Owner Tim Gleeson is leading his crew on their first major offshore campaign in a vessel that’s been part of NCYC’s history for decades. “The boat originally belonged to my father and has been a fixture at the Club for years,” Gleeson shared. “This race is the next chapter for us.”
The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is not only a test of endurance and seamanship but also an opportunity for emerging teams to refine their skills against some of the nation’s top offshore competitors.
Spectators can watch the race start live on YouTube from 12:45pm, Saturday 26 July, via the CYCA TV channel: www.youtube.com/@CYCATV/streams.