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Rolling Race Updates

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  • 29 Jul, 2025 08:30:00 AM
Rolling Race Updates

Rolling Race Updates

The below story contains timely and chronological updates from our fleet.

Race Update | 0830 hours 29 July 2025

It’s been a busy night for the CYCA Finish Team and Southport Yacht Club, with 39 more yachts crossing the line in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race since yesterday evening.

Double Handed Line Honours was claimed by Voltstar Yeah Baby yesterday and since then a steady stream of finishers has arrived at Main Beach.

Bacchanal completed their race at 2000 hours after 2 days, 7 hours and 55 seconds of sailing. Their strong performance has provisionally bumped them into second place on IRC, pushing Antipodes into third. Smuggler is still holding on to the top spot on IRC.

The night also saw a wave of Double Handed finishers. Second across the line in the Division was Toucan, co-skippered by Edward Curry-Hyde and William Sykes. Mid-race, the pair reported:

“It’s all action here on Toucan. The wind has just gone fully west, so it’s time to change gears. Code 0 and GS up, jib down. We’re holding on tight with gusts up to 23 knots. It’s really the perfect day for sailing: flat seas, the sun is shining and it’s getting warmer as we head north.”

A tight race played out among the Sydney 38s, with all three yachts finishing within 15 minutes of each other after 384 nautical miles of racing, a reminder of the excitement and competitiveness of one-design racing.

The Goat was the last to cross the line but has provisionally claimed the win over her rivals. Mondo is currently second, followed by Cinquante in third.

Four yachts remain at sea:

  • Rum Rebellion (J/99) | 7.6 nautical miles to go
  • Summer Salt (Beneteau First 36.7) | 10 nautical miles
  • Crux (S&S 34) | 43 nautical miles
  • Currawong (Currawong 30) | 110 nautical miles

Stay tuned for more updates as the final boats close in on Southport

  

Race Update | 1400 hours 28 July 2025

Main Beach on the Gold Coast has welcomed a steady stream of finishers since our last update.  Antipodes, V5, Koa and Sticky enjoyed stunning morning sailing conditions on their final approach.  None were able to beat Smuggler's corrected time on IRC.

We’ve now seen four more upcoming daylight finishers: Frantic, Awen, Voltstar Yeah Baby and Daguet 2. In this group, no yacht will be able to dethrone Sebastian Bohm’s Smuggler from the top of the leaderboard.

Bacchanal has 42.9 nautical miles left to the finish.  If she crosses the line before 1728 hours today, she’ll become the new overall IRC leader.

Wine-Dark Sea and Bushranger are still locked in a close battle, racing neck and neck with 50 nautical miles to go, having just passed Lennox Head.

Further offshore, Jupiter (Double-Handed) and Balancing Act (Double-Handed) are pushing hard but still sit 30 nautical miles off the coast. They’ll need to start closing in soon.  Supernova and The Gaffer are in a similar position.  Jupiter currently leads IRC Corinthian and this group is expected to arrive in the early hours of the morning.

Toucan has had a glamour run up the coast and now leads both Double-Handed IRC and IRC Division 3. She is currently placed 3rd Overall too.

With the breeze expected to shut down later tonight, the pressure is on for those still racing.

New Zealand TP52 V5 approaching the finish.  Image: CYCA/Ashley Dart

Race Update | 0715 hours 28 July 2025

Smuggler Takes Second Across the Line, Provisionally Leads on IRC Handicap

Sebastian Bohm’s Smuggler, skippered by Tim Davis, crossed the finish line at 0714 hours just as the sun rose over Main Beach on the Gold Coast. The reigning Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore champion completed the race in 1 day, 18 hours, 14 minutes and 29 seconds.

After departing Sydney Harbour, the team committed to an offshore route, rocketing north between 30–50 nautical miles off the New South Wales coastline, she averaged 9.1 knots up to Gold Coast Main Beach.

Smuggler now sits as the provisional leader on IRC handicap.

Smuggler approaching the finish.    Image: CYCA/Ashley Dart

GMW Pennant Hills currently sits second on IRC, they have to finish by 1956 hours today to take over the number one spot. In third is currently Jupiter, they have to cross the line by 28 Jul 2230 hours

Offshore Update

The next boat expected to finish is the Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes, due shortly before 0900 hours this morning. She will be followed by V5, Koa, and Sticky, all on track to arrive before midday, conditions permitting. Frantic and Awen are expected early after midday. Later this evening, Voltstar Yeah Baby, Daguet 2, and Elizabeth Tucker’s First Light are forecast to finish between 1700 and 1815 hours. Tucker currently leads IRC Division 1, an outstanding achievement in the team’s first major race as part of their campaign toward the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Up to 10 more boats are expected to finish before midnight. However, whether they make it before the clock strikes 12 will depend on evening conditions, which are expected to lighten. In the Double-Handed IRC division, it’s still neck-and-neck between two J/99s: Jupiter and Balancing Act. Jupiter currently holds the lead, in what has become a thrilling match-race between identical designs.

Inshore Update

The first inshore boat expected to finish is Minerva. The newly-owned yacht has managed to hold off its coastal rivals and maintain a clear lead. She is expected to cross the finish line around 1845 hours today.

Toucan, a Sun Fast 3300, is currently third Double Handed IRC.

Further back, Currawong is currently 3 nautical miles South of Port Macquarie with 216 nautical miles remaining to the finish line.

 

Race Update | 2200 hours Sunday 27 July 2025

 

🏆 Wild Thing Yachting Claims Line Honours in the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

Grant Wharington’s Wild Thing 100 has taken Line Honours in the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, crossing the finish line at 2204hrs on Saturday 27 July after 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 14 seconds of racing. The crew maintained an impressive average speed of 12.3kts over the 384nm course.

Wild Thing 100 crossing the finish line off Main Beach, Gold Coast.  Image: CYCA/Ashley Dart

Offshore Update

Smuggler is the second yacht expected to arrive early Sunday morning. She is currently 20 nautical miles East of Evan’s Head, reaching along at 10 knots. Impressively, she still leads Division 0 in IRC and holds the top spot in IRC Overall.

More news in TP52 land, Koa continues to lead the Corinthian IRC standings and is currently tracking 3rd in IRC.  Unfortunately, Denali has retired from the race after dismasting; all crew are on board are fine.

Roughly 80 nautical miles behind Smuggler is Voltstar Yeah Baby, who reported earlier today: “The race has been challenging, the boat has been behaving great, we had a few minor hiccups but are still on track. The Italian food keeps flowing and we are going FAST.” The Italians are currently 1st in IRC 1.

Earlier today, we shared a story about Bacchanal and Daguet 2 making a tactical jump across the current at Seal Rocks. At the time of that update, Bacchanal was sitting 9th in IRC Division 2, she’s now climbed to 2nd in that Division, with 180 nautical miles to go. A reminder to the importance of continuously working the race strategy.

Just 20 nautical miles South-East of her is GMW Pennant Hills, who committed to the offshore route on Day 1 and hasn’t looked back. She is now leading IRC Division 2.

At the trailing end of the offshore fleet is Balancing Act. Dubbed “the J/99 to beat” before the race, she’s currently trading blows with fellow J/99 Jupiter, with the pair locked in a tight battle for Double-Handed IRC honours.

Inshore Update

Not much has changed inshore since the last update. Minerva continues to lead the coastal fleet, closely followed by Wine-Dark Sea. Both boats passed South West Rocks within 1.5 nautical miles of each other and are sailing at 6–8 knots.

With nightfall approaching, the big question is whether a land breeze will develop and if so, can the inshore fleet claw back precious miles from their offshore counterparts?

 

Race Update | 1300 hours Sunday 27 July 2025

 

Wild Thing 100 looks to have a Line Honours victory secured if they avoid any major upsets. In the latest update, Skipper Grant Wharington said: “The wind has just swung left more, we can start coming in closer to shore now on a favourable angle.”

51nm behind, Smuggler has maintained her 15nm lead over the nearest competition. She’s currently sailing at 10.7 knots, with 167 nautical miles left to race.

Koa (Peter Wrigley & Andrew Kearnan’s TP52) currently leads Corinthian – IRC. Behind her, a string of yachts are pushing north along similar longitudes, including Sticky, Frantic, Denali, Awen and Voltstar Yeah Baby (DH).

Earlier today, Bacchanal and Daguet 2 used Seal Rocks as a key tactical moment, capitalising a favourable wind shift and current to jump back offshore. [Read more here]

With Daguet 2 no longer inshore, Minerva is now the furthest progressed, though only just. Along the beach, Wine-Dark Sea has found a new gear, closing the gap to Minerva and Bushranger and now leads IRC 1, tracking right over the rhumbline.

In fact, the rest of the pack has also started to close in on the two early leaders. Ariel, skippered by Ron Foster, continues to put in a strong performance, remaining in close contention in IRC Division 2.

Toucan, the Sun Fast 3300 co-skippered by Edward Curry-Hyde and William Sykes, is flying up the coast and currently leads Double-Handed IRC. The co-skippers reported:

“It is all action here on Toucan. The wind has just gone fully west, time to change gears. Code 0 and GS up, jib down. We’re holding on tight with gusts up to 23 knots. It’s really the perfect day for sailing—flat seas, the sun is shining and it’s getting warmer as we head north.”

At the back of the fleet, Currawong (Kathy Veel and Beth Higgs) is making solid progress at 6.1 knots, just east of Hawks Nest.

.   

 

Sticky, Toucan and Moneypenny.  Images: CYCA/Ashley Dart

 

Race Update - Retirements | 1145 hours 27 July 2025

 

Two more yachts have retired from the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. 

⛵️ Moneypenny has withdrawn due to hull damage.  

⛵️ Chancellor has retired due to crew illness and is heading to Port Stephens. 

⌚️ The next race update will be posted at 1300hrs 

 

Moneypenny.  Image: CYCA/Andrea Francolini

Race Update | 0600 hours Sunday 27 July 2025

 

Last night we posed the question: "As the two routes begin to blend, will offshore speed pay off, or will the smoother, more direct inshore route prove the winning move?"

While the race is far from over and plenty can still change, early signs point to a moral victory for several yachts that committed to the offshore strategy.

Wild Thing 100 continues to lead on Line Honours, powering along at 14 knots and currently positioned 33 nautical miles m due east of Port Macquarie, having sailed an impressive 175 nautical miles since the start.

Moneypenny also had an excellent night. She’s pulled further away from the rest of the 52-foot fleet and now sits second on Line Honours, second overall on IRC, and second in IRC Division 0. Reminder: this is only her second offshore race in NSW under new ownership.

Smuggler, owned by Sebastian Bohm and skippered by Tim Davis for this race, had a phenomenal run overnight. After sailing neck-and-neck with key rival V5 yesterday, Smuggler now holds a 15 nautical mile lead over her. She currently sits first overall on IRC.

Meanwhile, the Italian dynamic duo onboard Voltstar Yeah Baby not only flew up the track overnight but also now leads IRC Division 1. For context: at 2300 hours last night, they were one of the most easterly and southerly yachts, yet managed to cover 54 nautical miles in just 6 hours, averaging 9 knots through the night.

Daguet 2 continues to lead the inshore pack, with Bushranger, Minerva and Pretty Woman still in hot pursuit. There haven’t been any major position changes overnight, but the racing remains tight along the coast.

Notably, Bacchanal, the JPK 11.80 that had previously favoured the offshore route, has now converged with the inshore group, Alex Nolan (Navigator) shared: " We are working on finding a suitable spot with wind and an angle to cross outside in good current, we are trying to minimise the distance sailed as well."

Roughly 10 nautical miles south of Seal Rocks, a large group of competitors is now sailing within a narrow 5 nautical mile-wide band up the coast. While we wait for fresh images and videos from the fleet, it's easy to imagine the view this morning: sails dotting the horizon, competitors clearly in sight and sunrise lifting spirits onboard.

It’s the kind of moment that reminds crews of the thrill of offshore sailing.

With changing weather, strong currents, and strategic plays still to come, it’s anyone’s race but for now, the offshore group has edged ahead.

 

Race Update | 2300 hours Saturday 26 July 2025

 

Earlier this evening, a clear split had formed between yachts heading offshore and those opting to hug the coast. Now, as the race progresses into the night, those two groups are beginning to slowly converge.

At the front of the fleet, Wild Thing Yachting 100 continues to lead. Boat captain Theodore Somssich reported:

“We’re still sailing with a light air plan and cracked sheets. When the wind shifts another 20 degrees west, we’ll bring the jib stick out, throw up a few more jibs and take off. The boat’s feeling good and we’re happy with the new rig. There’s a bit of a seastate and slamming, but nothing unmanageable.”

Wild Thing 100 is currently making 12.7kts on a heading of 047°, positioned 15–20nm east of Fingal Bay.

The TP52s are racing hard within their “class,” with Smuggler and V5 the two furthest progressed. The Smugglers thrive in reaching conditions, but it’ll be interesting to see how they fare against V5, which sports a canting keel, a rare feature in the fleet. Notably, V5 is also the most inshore of the five remaining TP52s (Highly Sprung retired earlier this evening—see previous update).

Further back, Bacchanal is having a strong run and although not as far offshore as the Maxis or TP52s, she remains well east of the rhumb line. Navigator, Alex Nolan shared:

“We’re sailing with cracked sheets and just starting to rumble up the inside of the main current line. It’s still bumpy out here and very dark tonight, so we are feeling plenty of bumps.” Bacchanal currently leads IRC Division 2.

On the inshore track, Daguet 2 is 15nm east of Newcastle and leads the pack of inshore yachts. Navigator Steve Taylor commented: “The breeze is slowly shifting into the NW. We’re seeing 20 knots and flat seas and nearly no current. If the wind rotates a bit more, we can really put the hammer down. Hopefully we sail fewer miles than the offshore group. But it is comfortable here.”

Bushranger, Minerva and Pretty Woman are only 3nm behind Daguet 2. While we haven’t yet received updates from their nav desks, we expect they’re experiencing similarly favourable conditions, flatter seas, less current and potentially shorter distance sailed.

As the two routes begin to blend, the question now becomes: will the offshore speed pay off, or will the smoother, more direct inshore route prove the winning move?

Next update at 0600hrs 27 July.

  

Bacchanal, Bushranger and Smuggler.  Images: CYCA/Andrea Francolini

 

Race Update | 1800 hours Saturday 26 July 2025

 

Five hours in, and the fleet split is clearer than ever.

Since our last update, 28 yachts have committed to the offshore route. Furthest out is Moneypenny, currently charging along at 9.7 knots, around 30 nautical miles due east of Terrigal.  Notably, all TP52s and both Class40s have opted for this offshore strategy.  A few other offshore-siders are Cinquante, Bacchanal and She's the Culprit.

Meanwhile, 32 yachts are hugging the coast.  Daguet 2 is leading this inshore pack, positioned 4.5 nautical miles due east of Avoca Beach, with Unicoin, Bushranger, Pretty Woman and Minerva close behind.

While it’s far too early to predict handicap results, Smuggler holds an early advantage over Koa and Antipodes.  As the race unfolds, we expect plenty of changes on the leaderboard but these three have certainly had a strong start.

Wild Thing 100 is currently leading the whole fleet and is moving at 10.6 knots 20 nautical miles east of The Entrance.

Retirements:

  • KD1 retired at 1338 hours with a torn mainsail.
  • Highly Sprung retired at 1800 hours due to broken stanchions. The crew is safe and returning to Sydney.

  

Highly Sprung and Bushranger.  Images: CYCA/Andrea Francolini

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