The 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, commencing on 27 July, is set to showcase what offshore yacht racing is all about. This iconic 384-nautical mile race from the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour to the vibrant Main Beach on the Gold Coast is more than just a test of speed; it’s a rite of passage for many sailors.
Since its inception in 1986, the race has grown in both prestige and participation, drawing competitors from around the globe. It serves as the opening act of the 2024/25 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore series and a crucial warm-up for the world-renowned Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Representing RPAYC in 2024:
- DAGUET 2 – Peter Byford & Rob Aldis
- Intiy – Wendy Tuck & Andrea Davey
- Pretty Woman – Richard Hudson
- Quantock – Dave & Ali Hobbs
- Toucan – Edward Curry-Hyde
- Xs Moment – Ray Hudson
About the Race:
START: 27 JULY 2024 1300 HOURS AEST
DISTANCE: 384 NAUTICAL MILES RACE
FINISHING PARTNER: SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB
RACE RECORD: 22 HOURS, 33 MINUTES, 46 SECONDS FIRST RACE: 1986
Looking Back: 2023 Highlights and Records
The 2023 edition of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast was a spectacular event, with the Reichel/Pugh 72 URM Group taking top honours. Anthony Johnston’s team showcased exceptional skill to secure their victory. Reflecting on their triumph, Johnston commented, “Winning last year was a culmination of intense preparation and flawless execution. We’re eager to defend our title this year.”
The Beneteau First 47.7 Popeye, under Craig Douglas, claimed second place, while Michael Smith’s Kernan 44 Tempo rounded out the podium. “We opted to go further offshore than most other yachts, in an attempt to look for a more favourable wind. We had to push more current going north, but the better wind favoured our boat and we managed to place well last year. We are excited to come back this year on an even better and faster platform,” said Michael Smith.
The race record, set by Wild Oats XI in 2012 at an impressive 22 hours, 3 minutes, and 46 seconds, remains a high bar for this year’s fleet. Weather conditions and tactical decisions will be crucial in any attempt to break this record. However with no 100-footer entered into the race this year, it seems unlikely that the record will be broken.
The Weather Factor
The race is not only a test of speed but also of strategic navigation, largely influenced by weather conditions. Sailors can expect anything from light, variable winds to strong southerlies. The Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race has a history of challenging weather patterns that can drastically change the course of the race. As Mark Spring of Highly Sprung noted last year, “It’s going to be a really, really tricky race. The navigators, in particular, are going to have their work absolutely cut out for them. There are two ways to go north. Either you go in and chase the land breeze, or you go out and get bumped by the current and take whatever wind is out there.” With the race still a little while away it is too early to start looking at the weather. First routing options should start becoming clearer from ten days out.
Double-Handed Entries: A Showcase of Endurance and Skill
This year, the Double Handed (DH) entries add a unique and demanding element to this year’s race. With 13 Double Handed entries, the DH division will be incredibly competitive this year. Notable contenders include 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart IRC winner in the Double Handed division, Mistral.
Mistral skipper Rupert Henry emphasises the unique challenges of sailing double-handed and competing within the double-handed fleet.
We sail our own race, but the other double-handed teams have been together for a while and have done a lot of racing, and the Double-Handed Rally served as a great qualifying passage, setting the stage for the upcoming race, with established teams being who we look out for on the course.
The 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race features a significant number of J/99 entries, highlighting the popularity and competitive edge of this class. Notably, entries like Blue Planet, Jupiter, Rum Rebellion, and Verite are all J/99s, making them a class to watch closely. The J/99, celebrated for its versatile performance and ease of handling, has become one of J/Boats’ most successful models in its size range. Designed for both short-handed and fully crewed racing, the J/99 excels in various wind conditions with its efficient sail plan and user-friendly rigging systems. Its popularity in regattas around the world is a testament to its impressive performance characteristics and competitive rating. Shane Connelly, Rum Rebellion’s owner and co-skipper shared, “It is great to see so many Double Handed entries and the J/99 fleet is a very close fleet. It goes without saying that the battle amongst this class will be heated, we have all gotten to know each other so beating friends makes a victory even sweeter.”
Additionally, Intiy, a Beneteau Figaro 3 from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), will also be competing. The Figaro 3 is known for its high-speed capabilities and innovative design, featuring foils that enhance performance, especially in offshore downwind racing conditions. This inclusion adds another layer of excitement to the race, showcasing some of the latest advancements in yacht design.
The Double-Handed division is further enriched by entries like Currawong and Maritimo Katwinchar, each bringing unique designs to the race.
Currawong is a Currawong 30, a classic design emphasizing durability and reliability, often favoured by traditional sailors for its sturdy build and straightforward handling. In stark contrast, Maritimo Katwinchar is a Watney Circa 1904, a historical vessel that combines vintage aesthetics with modern racing capabilities. This boat stands out not only for its unique design but also for its storied past, adding a historical dimension to the fleet.
With a variety of boats, from the advanced J/99s and cutting-edge Figaro 3 to the classic Currawong 30 and historical Watney Circa 1904, the Double Handed division promises intense competition and dynamic sailing.
The Competitive 40-Footers: Battle of the Versatile
The 40-foot class is always hotly contested, and this year is no exception. Calibre, a Cookson 12, has already made a name for itself with a strong showing in last year’s race, finishing second in Division 1 IRC. This yacht’s debut in offshore racing was a remarkable success, demonstrating its potential to compete at the highest levels. The Sydney 38s, including Cinquante and Mondo, are also formidable competitors, known for their robust construction and competitive spirit. Pretty Woman, an IC 45 MOD, is another strong contender, having consistently performed well in past events, including a notable finish in the 2023 race. Tempo, an ES 44, and XS Moment, an XP44, add to the mix, each bringing unique strengths to the fleet. This will be XS Moment’s tenth NSGCYR race, “We have been refining our crew and working on the boat and sail package, so we are looking forward to this challenge again. We are excited to have two international crew members joining us, one from the USA and another from Belgium. After last year’s Hobart we feel that the boat and crew are in a great place”. These mid-sized yachts are often where future sailing stars cut their teeth, making this category one to watch closely.
The Speedsters: TP52s
In the TP52 class, often described as the IRC’s most optimised yachts, Koa and Smuggler are set to showcase their fast racing platform. The TP52s are renowned for their high performance and have
consistently been top contenders in offshore racing. “The TP52 class is where the action is” remarked the skipper of Smuggler, Sebastain Bohm. “These boats are built for speed, and we’re looking forward to a fierce competition.” The sleek designs and advanced engineering of TP52s make them formidable opponents, promising a thrilling contest.
The Big Guns: Mini Maxis and Maxis
At the larger end of the fleet, the maxi yachts are expected to dominate. The Reichel/Pugh 72 URM Group, the Reichel/Pugh 69 Moneypenny, the JV 62 Whisper and the Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes stand out with their size and power. These yachts are engineered for high-speed offshore racing, capable of handling the most challenging conditions. Anthony Johnston of URM Group expressed confidence, saying, “Winning last year was incredible, and we’re looking to repeat that success.” The maxis, with their impressive size and capabilities, are a sight to behold as they slice through the waves.
This year, the race also emphasizes inclusivity and diversity with new IRC rule changes encouraging the participation of female and youth crew members. This initiative aims to broaden the sport’s appeal and foster a more inclusive sailing community. By allowing for additional crew members when certain diversity criteria are met, the race organizers hope to see more varied and dynamic teams competing.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newcomers, the 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle of sailing prowess and strategic excellence. As the countdown to the start continues, the anticipation and excitement among participants and spectators alike continue to build, setting the stage for another memorable race.