2018 Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race a tactical race
The 32nd Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race set sail in light airs and warming conditionsA fleet of 56 yachts set sail from Sydney Harbour on Saturday afternoon (July 29) in light airs for the start of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's (CYCA's) 32nd Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race.
Promoted as the great winter escape, the Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is second only in status to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race among long ocean races conducted by the CYCA.
The 384-nautical mile race, which starts from Sydney Harbour and finishes off Main Beach on the Queensland Gold Coast, was first conducted in 1986. The CYCA works with Southport Yacht Club as the race finishing partner.
While light airs saw a tactical start on Sydney Harbour, the fleet is in for mixed conditions with up to 25 knots from the north being forecast. The stronger winds are well offshore where the current may be running head-on. It's going to remain a very tactical coastal race that's for sure.
The first boat to arrive at the finish line will be recognised for taking line honours, but the overall race winner will be established through the internationally recognised handicap system IRC. The 56 boats in the race will compete across eleven divisions including line honours.
Speaking on the commencement of the 2017 race, CYCA Commodore, John Markos reaffirmed that the Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is the second biggest offshore race of the year for the club.
"Offshore racing is never for the faint of heart and our competitors will face tough challenges out there.
"Good seamanship, tactics and teamwork will see the best boat victorious and we look forward to congratulating the worthy winner of this challenging race, on the Gold Coast," Markos said.
The Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is a prestigious race in its own right, but adding to its status is that it is the opening event of the CYCA's ocean racing season for the Blue Water Pointscore. The closing event within this series is the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
The start of the race was covered live for the first time through the CYCA’s drone broadcast.
To watch the start and to follow the remainder of the race visit see Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race.
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