Course

Course

As an offshore race, the 384 nautical mile Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is a demanding event, requiring experienced helming skills, particularly in the hard running conditions sometimes experienced at this time of the year, first class sail handling and good tactical navigation decisions.

  • The fleet reaches South Head The fleet reaches South Head
  • The crew of Wild Thing The crew of Wild Thing
  • Brindabella relishing the strong breeze and heading offshore to find more, 2012 Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race Brindabella relishing the strong breeze and heading offshore to find more, 2012 Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

Apart from variable winds, in direction and strength, the East Australian Current plays a significant role in decision making as the yachts sail up the NSW North Coast to the Gold Coast of Southern Queensland. At times, it is very much a "rock-hopping" race as yachts hug the coast to avoid the southerly current.