In the early hours of Sunday at 2:48am, supermaxi Wild Thing 100 roared into Mackay Marina to secure back-to-back Line Honours in the 2024 GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, a challenging 520-nautical-mile offshore event. This second annual race attracted 27 yachts from across Australia and New Zealand, up from 19 in its inaugural year, highlighting its rapid growth and increasing prestige.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the fleet’s arrival, as over 4,000 people gathered at Mackay Marina to celebrate alongside the inaugural Rae Village Markets and the 140th anniversary of Mackay Lighthouse.
The competition was fierce, featuring a dramatic finish between veteran yacht Antipodes and Kiwi contender V5, separated by just one minute after the demanding race. International sailor Elizabeth Tucker also made headlines racing with the Za Ocean Racing Women’s Program, showcasing the event’s growing diversity.
The success of the 2025 race confirms Mackay’s rising importance as a key stopover in North Queensland’s offshore sailing calendar, with celebrations concluding on a high note and anticipation already building for next year’s event.
Wild Thing 100 claimed back-to-back Line Honours in the 2025 GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, as thousands welcomed the growing fleet to Mackay Marina. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
In a striking finish under cover of darkness, supermaxi Wild Thing 100 roared into Mackay Marina at 2:48am Sunday, securing back-to-back Line Honours in the second annual GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race – a 520-nautical-mile challenge now cementing its place as one of Australia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing offshore races.
From a modest debut of 19 yachts, this years race attracted 28 entries, with 27 ultimately lining up at the start, drawing crews from across Australia and New Zealand. More than just a test of skill and stamina, this year’s event signalled a growing cultural moment in sailing, with women-led crews and international figures adding depth to the already formidable fleet.
Mackay’s Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the race back to the region with open arms, acknowledging the event’s growth and regional significance during the official launch.
“This year we’re seeing fantastic growth – 27 boats have entered, up from 18 in last year’s inaugural event,” Cr Williamson said.
“All eyes are on supermaxi Wild Thing 100, tipped to take line honours.
“Most of the fleet will be sailing through Mackay Harbour from mid-morning Sunday… make sure to head down and catch the action!”
And locals and visitors did exactly that.
More than 4,000 people gathered at Mackay Marina on Sunday, converging for the first-ever Rae Village Markets and to mark the 140th anniversary of the historic Mackay Lighthouse. The vibrant atmosphere delivered a welcome boost to nearby restaurants and market stalls, while Race Village buzzed with excitement as yachts began to dock.
The open docks gave the public a rare and personal glimpse of the elite offshore racing world. Young sailors and seasoned enthusiasts alike marvelled at the cutting-edge yachts, and many were thrilled to spot international sailor Elizabeth Tucker, who made headlines with her last-minute entry aboard First Light. Racing double-handed with Annie Stevenson, Tucker, renowned for her viral solo crossings, represented the Za Ocean Racing Women’s Program, bringing tenacity and a trailblazing spirit to the northern tropics.
While Wild Thing 100 blazed in well ahead of the predicted arrival window, the rest of the fleet fought hard in varying conditions. A dramatic photo finish between veteran yacht Antipodes and Kiwi contender V5 saw just one minute and one second separate them after 520 gruelling nautical miles.
As the wind fell away late Sunday, crews faced frustrating lulls, requiring navigational finesse and patience. By Monday, boats continued to stream in, including Ignition, Solace, Amaya II, and Bowline, welcomed by dockside cheers and the lure of warm Mackay hospitality.
The race concluded late Monday night when the final yacht, Xvitesse, crossed the finish line. One vessel was forced to officially retire due to damage, though all crew were reported safe and ashore.
The success of the 2025 event reinforces Mackay’s rising reputation in the offshore sailing calendar. More than a logistical waypoint, Mackay has positioned itself as a critical and celebrated stopover between major North Queensland regattas such as Airlie Beach Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week, and Magnetic Island Race Week.
Mayor Williamson was on hand at 4am to present the Line Honours Trophy to Wild Thing 100, alongside Southport Yacht Club Vice Commodore Wayne Kirby. The final celebrations on Monday night featured live music from local favourites Mango Junction and a festive prizegiving at the Mackay Race Village, closing the event on a high note.
From cannon fire on the Gold Coast to the twilight arrivals in Mackay, the GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race has captured the true essence of offshore sailing – wild, unpredictable, and undeniably regional.
The 2024 GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race saw supermaxi Wild Thing 100 claim back-to-back Line Honours in a thrilling finish, as 27 yachts competed over 520 nautical miles, drawing thousands to Mackay Marina and solidifying the event’s status as a premier offshore sailing challenge in Australia. Photo credit: GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race and Hannah McNamara
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