520nm offshore yacht race from the Gold Coast to Mackay, offering an unforgettable adventure. — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

southport to mackay yacht Race

7 days / cat 2 yacht race /520nm

The Southport to Mackay Yacht Race is a premier offshore sailing event on Australia’s east coast—offering an adrenaline-filled 520nm challenge from the vibrant Gold Coast to the tropical shores of Mackay. Hosted by the renowned Southport Yacht Club, this Category 2 race attracts a competitive fleet of offshore sailors, combining exhilarating open-ocean racing with stunning coastal scenery. With its mix of tactical sailing, shifting weather conditions, and diverse sea states, this race is a true test of seamanship, endurance, and team coordination.

Starting from the iconic Southport Seaway, participants will sail north along Queensland’s breathtaking coastline, navigating headlands, reefs, and island passages while experiencing the dynamic beauty of the Coral Sea. From the glittering skyline of the Gold Coast to the reef-fringed waters of the Whitsundays, the route offers a visual feast as well as plenty of tactical decisions for race crews. Wind shifts, tidal currents, sail plans and night watches all add layers of challenge that make this race an ideal opportunity to sharpen offshore skills and experience the thrill of ocean racing.

Crews must be prepared for all that the Coral Sea delivers, with sail trim, navigation, and strategy playing crucial roles across the race’s varied conditions. The event is perfect for both experienced competitors and developing offshore teams looking to build confidence and performance in a high-adrenaline, real-world environment. The camaraderie on board is as essential as the competitive edge, making the experience as much about teamwork as it is about tactics and speed.

Beyond the race itself, the event includes a series of pre-race and post-race activities, such as social gatherings, briefings, and award ceremonies, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The finish line in Mackay is especially celebrated, with a warm welcome awaiting the competitors. Here, sailors can unwind, share their racing tales, and enjoy the tropical charm of Mackay with its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse local culture. Whether you're chasing a podium finish or just soaking up the experience, the Southport to Mackay Yacht Race offers a unique and unforgettable chapter in any sailor's offshore journey.

Additional media

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Review sailing calendar for all events