High Stakes And High Seas

Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race Sets Sail With New Safety Standard

Anticipation is building across Mackay’s coastline as one of Australia’s most exciting offshore sailing events returns — with new safety measures leading the charge. The GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race kicks off on 1 August, promising 520 nautical miles of pure offshore exhilaration from the shimmering skyline of the Gold Coast to the tropical charm of Mackay.

But as the fleet grows — now with 29 entries, nearly double the size of 2024 — so too does the focus on safety. In response to findings from the tragic 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart, Southport Yacht Club has officially revised its Notice of Race (NOR), aligning with national moves to prioritise the well-being of all crew.

“The safety of crew members will always be paramount, and safety measures are constantly reviewed. As technology advances, we must utilise any significant improvements, particularly in the case of aiding rescue of stricken vessels and their crew,” said Commodore Glenn Burrell.

A major update to this year’s NOR is the now mandatory use of AIS MOB personal locator beacons for all crew members — technology already adopted by the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Noakes Sydney Gold Coast races. These devices automatically send a man-overboard alert to nearby vessels and chart plotters, dramatically increasing recovery speed and, ultimately, saving lives.

“AIS MOB personal locator beacons send a signal to all vessels within range that a man overboard has occurred and plots their location on all Chart plotters within range. This device has proven to speed up MOB recovery and therefore has resulted in lives saved,” Commodore Burrell said.

Previously compulsory only for short-handed competitors, the 2025 GCMYR has upgraded the requirement across the board.

“We trust that all skippers and crew will see this as a positive move forward and further peace of mind in case of a MOB,” said Commodore Burrell.

To ease the transition, Gold Coast chandlery Bosuns Locker has stepped up, offering a $50 discount on AIS MOB devices for all race participants.

While safety leads the conversation, the race itself is shaping up to be unforgettable. The challenging course wraps around K’gari and threads through the Great Barrier Reef’s turquoise waters, with the 2025 finish coinciding with the Mackay Festival of Arts and the launch of the inaugural Race Village Market — offering a vibrant welcome for crews and spectators alike.

Sailing legend Grant Wharrington is returning to defend his title, this time with a taller mast and larger sails, issuing a bold challenge to fellow big boats in pursuit of the first official Line Honours record.

With its strategic timing following the Noakes Sydney-Gold Coast race, the GCMYR is a key feeder event for northern regattas in Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island — ideal for boats chasing warm winter waters and fierce racing.

The race begins at 1pm on 1 August, with a spectacular start line set just off Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Spectators on the esplanade or aboard pleasure craft are encouraged to join the excitement.

Entries are open now and close on 18 July. To register or learn more, visit www.goldcoastmackay.com.

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Crews power north under full sail during last year’s GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race, showcasing the breathtaking offshore course and competitive spirit that will return in 2025. Photos supplied

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