Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race

Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race

Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race

The iconic Queensland Cruising Yacht Club's Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is one of Australia’s flagship offshore yacht races now in its 73rd year attracting entrants and spectators Australia wide and internationally. The popular event kicks off at Bluewater Festival, passing by Redcliffe Festival of Sails at Suttons Beach and finishing 308 nautical miles north at Gladstone Harbour Festival.

The major Easter event has a rich history steeped in a tradition extending to its inauguration in 1949 featuring just seven vessels. The current race record is held by Black Jack who set the record in 2018 with 16 hours, 53 minutes and 57 seconds travel time.

The race is live-streamed for free via Facebook and can be accessed via the Brisbane to Gladstone website.

Brisbane to Gladstone
Fast Facts

  • The first Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race was held during Easter 1949 when seven vessels started. Two of them carried radios while Brisbane’s Homing Pigeon Club supplied pigeons to the others for position reporting. Two pigeons were released each day.
  • The first person to finish the race was Doug Perrins on the bow of Hoanna. After sailing through strong winds and heavy seas, Hoanna finished with an elapsed time of 47 hours, 8 minutes and 25 seconds – a creditable time that stood until 1955.
  • Gladstone-based yacht, Wistari, has entered the race 50 times, with her last start in 2018. Originally skippered by Noel Patrick, she is now in the capable hands of Noel’s son, Scott. Wistari will line up for her 51st start in the 2020 Brisbane to Gladstone.

On your marks, get set, GO!

Watch the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race at Bluewater Festival just off the sandy banks of Shorncliffe on Good Friday. This event offers a massive program of entertainment for families and yacht lovers.

Entertainment includes:

  • Live bands
  • Kids workshop
  • Rides
  • Food vendors
  • Markets
  • Beach party
  • Bayfire fireworks display

Smile and wave at the passing parade

Spend your Good Friday at Redcliffe Festival of Sails and watch the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race pass by. Soak up the atmosphere sea side, grab a bite to eat and lay the picnic blanket for a day of easter themed fun. This year we welcome back the popular Pop-up Ice Cream Fair. Enjoy everything sweet, creamy and frozen in this dedicated treat zone.

Entertainment includes:

  • Skydiving Easter Bunny
  • Easter Bunny meet & greet
  • Easter egg hunt
  • 3 stages of live music
  • Free Easter craft activity
  • $5 rides
  • 100+ market stalls
  • Pop-up Ice Cream Fair & more!

Experience the excitement as the yachts cross the finish line

If you're a yacht racing fanatic and are excited to see the yachts race to the finish line then Gladstone Harbour Festival is the place for you! The long-standing five day festival will run from Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th April 2020 at Gladstone Ports Corporation's Marina Parklands.

Entertainment includes:

  • Thrilling rides
  • Sideshow alley
  • Free activities for the kids
  • Hilarious novelty events
  • Spectacular fireworks displays and much more!