The 2020 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s annual 384-nautical-mile challenge due to commence on Saturday 3 October, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following Queensland border restrictions, the Club resolved it would not be possible to conduct the race.

Above: SAILING - Noakes Sydney-Southport 2019 - Sydney start 27/06/2019 (Photo by Andrea Francolini) ADMIRAL Andrea Francolini

“We’d love to run the 2020 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race but the restrictions and risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are simply too great,” CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham said.

“The health and safety of the participants, staff, other stakeholders and the community in general is the CYCA’s number-one priority.

“Our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by the pandemic – it’s been an incredibly tough year for many.”

Noakes Group Managing Director Sean Langman supported the Club’s decision.

“We absolutely understand why the decision to cancel the 2020 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race was made – and we back it 100 per cent,” Langman said.

“We are long-term partners of the Club and are eagerly awaiting the 2021 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race next year… and a return to normality.”