Thrilling 2025 GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race: Superstar
Entry, Safety Upgrades & Spectator Guide
Superstar Last-Minute Entry: Elizabeth Tucker
Joins the Race
In
a thrilling twist, Elizabeth
Tucker, the rising star of offshore sailing, has entered her Class 40 yacht ‘First Light’ as a
last-minute competitor. After experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out) at the race’s Welcome Party,
Tucker decided to switch from crewing on Georgia Express to
racing double-handed with Annie
Stevenson on her own boat.
Tucker,
who learned to sail during the pandemic, gained global attention for her 74-day voyage from Spain to Sydney,
delivering First Light with American sailor Cole Brauer. Her
recent 2nd place finish in the
Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race proves her competitive edge.
As
part of the Za Ocean Racing
Women’s Program, Tucker’s participation highlights the growing
opportunities for female sailors
in offshore racing. With ambitions to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race later
this year, Tucker and her team are ones to watch. Follow her journey on
Instagram @ZaOceanRacing or
visit www.zaoceanracing.com.
Race Overview: A Global Fleet Battles for
Glory
This
year’s race features 28 yachts from
the USA, Hong Kong, New Zealand,
and Australia, making it a truly international event. The
defending Line Honours
champion, Wild Thing 100, returns with a 6m taller mast and upgraded sails
after a major refit at Gold Coast
City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM). Skipper Grant Wharington aims to dominate once again, but with fierce
competition, victory is far from guaranteed.
Key Race Details:
- Start: August 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM (AEST) off Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
- Finish: Mackay Harbour.
- Live
Tracker: Coverage begins at 12:30 PM—follow the action
at goldcoastmackay.com/livetracker.
New Safety Standards Following Sydney Hobart
Review
In
response to the CYCA’s findings
from the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Southport Yacht Club has
introduced mandatory safety
upgrades for all competitors. Commodore Glenn Burrell emphasized that crew safety is paramount, with new
regulations focusing on emergency
rescue technology and vessel stability.
Competitors
must comply with the updated Notice
of Race (NOR), ensuring the latest safety protocols are in place. Learn
more about the changes here: goldcoastmackay.com/news.
Exclusive Offers for Competitors
Participants
can take advantage of a 20%
discount on boat lift
and hardstand services at GCCM before and after the race. This ensures every yacht is
race-ready, whether for last-minute adjustments or post-race maintenance.
Where to Watch: Best Spectator Spots
Whether
you’re on land, at sea, or watching online, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the
race:
- Start
Line: Head to Surfers Paradise Beach, the esplanade,
or high-rise hotels for a stunning view.
- Gold
Coast Seaway Breakwall: A
prime location to wave off the fleet.
- Mackay
Finish Line: Cheer on the yachts as
they cross at Southern
Breakwater Road.
- Live
Online: Can’t make it in person?
Follow the real-time tracker and
social media updates.
Mackay Race Village: A Festival of Fun
The
finish line is just the beginning—Mackay
Race Village offers a packed schedule of entertainment:
- Saturday
Night: Live music at Sails Sports Bar as the
first yachts arrive.
- Sunday: Breakfast at Mantra Mackay, Race
Village Markets, and live broadcasts.
- Monday-Tuesday: More finishers, the Sarina Sugar Shed Rum tasting, and the Race Presentation Ceremony.
Don’t Miss the Action!
The 2025 GCCM Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race is
shaping up to be an unforgettable
spectacle—from Elizabeth
Tucker’s inspiring debut to Wild Thing 100’s title defense and the buzzing Mackay Race Village.
Join the excitement on August 1! Watch the start at Surfers Paradise or follow the
race live online. For more details, visit Gold Coast City
Marina & Shipyard.
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