Queensland's premier Vintage Yacht Regatta

Now in its 41st year, the Vintage Yacht Regatta is considered the premier classic vessel festival in Brisbane. Also familiarly referred to as The Gaffers, the Regatta will be held over the weekend of June 4-5 by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC).

The Regatta is not only open to sailing yachts but skippers of sailing dinghies, motor boats and those who would prefer not to race are also welcome to join in with the event and participate in the Concours d’Elégance competition. Berthing for all vessels is free at the club from the Friday evening throughout the weekend at Tree Creek in the picturesque Brisbane bayside village of Shorncliffe.

On both days, two races are held each day with a short break in between. The first three races of the weekend are an ‘around the cans’ format. All boats use the same start/finish line but, with the faster boats starting six minutes earlier than the smaller and slower ones. They also sail a longer course than the smaller boats to keep the fleet together and add to the atmosphere. Boats are close enough for plenty of crosses and action around the marks.

The second race on Sunday is a short passage race, once again with a shorter course for the smaller boats. Whilst all the courses do have upwind legs, the focus is one of close reaching and downwind runs rather than long beats to windward.

Each yachts handicap changes after each race based on their performance. This helps to keep results close and everyone in the hunt for good placings.

The Regatta also features a Concours d’Elégance competition. Judging takes place over the course of the weekend and awards are given out in a number of categories.

On shore the restaurant and bar are open throughout the weekend for Breakfast and Dinner and packed lunches are available. On both evenings the fire will be roaring and there will be live music on Saturday evening.

This is a great weekend and not just for old gaffers but also old salts, the young at heart and beautiful boats and like-minded boaters.

If your boat dates from or pre-1980 or is a Spirit of Tradition vessel built in the ‘Classic’ style  come along for close quarter sailing with 'achingly beautiful’ boats and great festivities. More at the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club's event page for The Gaffers.