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A gentle start was delivered to those competing in the 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. Fifty-one yachts assembled on the start line before the yachts crawled across Sydney Harbour and north up the Tasman Sea.
It’s the calm before the storm, as yachts are preparing to encounter a strong west south-westerly breeze starting in the early morning of Sunday 28 July. The anticipated conditions will make it a close race amongst the top competitors, with strong breezes building 24 hours in that might allow the mid-size competitors to catch up to the mini-maxis.
For more information on the anticipated conditions, watch the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Weather Briefing here.
Slow sailing at the start of the 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. Photo: Andrea Francolini
The fastest yachts made it out of the heads in just fifty-eight minutes, with URM Group being the first to reach the open water and the TP52 KOA just a few minutes behind. Rupert Henry’s Mistral was the first double handed entry to sail out North Head, only twenty minutes behind URM Group at 1418 hours.
URM Group sailed strategically as the defending winner but were tested. Anthony Johnston’s yacht claimed the Overall Victory in the 2023 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and took home the overall title for the 2023/2024 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore.
Once out the heads, URM Group picked up speed in clearer air with CYCA Director David Griffith AM's J/V62 Whisper close behind. Sebastian Bohm's TP52 Smuggler and Michael Smith's Kernan 44 Tempo were in pursuit alongside Peter Wrigley and Andrew Kearnan's Koa.
Koa out of the heads. Photo: Andrea Francolini.
With 13 double handed competitors, the double handed division guarantees another incredibly competitive fight amongst their division. Henry’s Lombard 34 Mistral is poised to be a strong competitor once again. Henry claimed victory in the IRC Double Handed division and Double Handed Line Honours in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, earning an impressive sixth place overall on IRC. Henry will be racing with co-skipper Greg O’Shea.
With varying conditions expected through the first 24 hours of the race and a highly competitive IRC fleet, it’s sure to be a thrilling competition.
Additional Information
About Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is Australia’s premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting’s ‘Everest’ – the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Members, guests and visitors to the CYCA enjoy being part of an active sailing club in a superb location on Rushcutters Bay, only minutes from Sydney’s CBD. The CYCA boasts state-of-the-art facilities, bars and cafe/restaurant, food and beverage operations by The Boathouse Group and boasts a variety of multi-purpose function spaces. It has an international reputation that attracts yachts, crews and visitors from all over the world.
CYCA was established in 1944 and over the years, has become Australia’s leading exponent of ocean racing and sea safety. Its race management expertise is often called upon for international sailing events such as the Olympics and round-the-world races.
About race sponsor Noakes
The Noakes Group of marine companies have supported sailing in Australia for more than 30 years. Managing Director Sean Langman has a special connection with the race, having won line honours three times in his famous 60-footer Grundig and taken out the handicap prize in 2003. From its origins as a rigging provider in 1984, Noakes has grown to include the full range of maintenance and repair services for recreational and commercial boating. It operates two shipyards – at North Sydney and Nelson Bay (Port Stephens), the heritage Sydney Harbour ferries of Rosman Cruises, and has extensive interests at Port Huon in Tasmania.
From the smallest sailing dinghy to stately tall ships, from modest work boats to world-girdling cruisers, Noakes offers complete and expert support.
About Southport Yacht Club
Established in 1946, Southport Yacht Club is known worldwide for its exceptional sailing and powerboat fraternities, award-winning boating facilities and its exceptional and exclusive waterfront dining.
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