Mayor walks the plank in inaugural Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race
Published on 01 August 2024
Hoist the main sails, all hands on deck!
In a special “race within a race” Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, City of Gold Coast Councillor Shelley Curtis and race sponsor Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM) COO Andrew Chapman went head-to-head for the official start of the inaugural GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race.
Australia’s newest ocean race, hosted by the Southport Yacht Club, began today (Thursday, August 1) with an offshore start line straight off the beach in front of Surfers Paradise.
The three VIPs raced in 18 knot conditions on select boats from Cavill Avenue to the GC Seaway, before taking a ‘step off the stern’ and into the water.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to be on board for the start of the very first Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race.
“It was an honour to be on board GCCM Arctic Blonde at the cannon, and while stepping of the stern was a bit nerve-wracking, I was well looked after by everyone on board and in the pick-up boats,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This race brings huge economic benefit to our region, with an expected injection of more than $750,000,” he said.
“The race is an official qualifier for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and so is an added incentive for those boats already heading north for the Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island race weeks.
“The Mackay Marina Race Village will come alive as the boats arrive and we plan on turning on the party for all racegoers and supporters.”
The race will make its way north to the Mackay Marina, with the first boats expected to arrive during Saturday (August 3).
Council is sponsoring this event through the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program, which aims to promote the best of our region to locals and visitors alike.
Sarina Sugar Shed will provide its award-winning rum and liqueurs as prizes for race winners – because sailors like rum!
The race will be livestreamed on the official race website.
The Race Village at Mackay Marina opens Saturday, August 3 to Tuesday, August 6.
Picture: Salty Dingo Media