The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race returns for its 77th year, setting sail on Good Friday, 18 April 2025. Hosted by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC), this premier offshore race is a true test of skill, endurance, and strategy, attracting top sailors and determined challengers to compete along the 308 nautical mile course.

A Race steeped in tradition since its first race in 1949, the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race has become one of Australia’s most respected offshore sailing events. It has tested generations of sailors, from seasoned professionals to ambitious first-time entrants, all vying for victory in one of the sport’s most demanding contests.

The race starts two miles east of Shorncliffe Pier, with competitors navigating through Moreton Bay before making their way north towards Gladstone Harbour. With unpredictable winds, strong currents, and tactical decisions at every turn, this event demands both precision and perseverance.

Competing for the Courier Mail Cup
At the heart of the competition is the Courier Mail Cup, one of Australia’s oldest perpetual trophies. This historic award has been presented to the race’s IRC Overall Winner for generations, cementing its place as a coveted prize in Australian sailing. From legendary yachts to rising stars, winning the Courier Mail Cup remains a defining achievement for any offshore sailor.

2025: Building towards an 80-year legacy
With the 80th anniversary approaching, this year’s race is more than just a competition, it is an opportunity to refine skills, embrace the challenge, and be part of a long-standing tradition that has shaped Queensland’s sailing history. Whether aiming for line honours or racing under the Performance Handicap System (PHS), this event continues to offer a competitive and rewarding experience.

Spectators: Watch the action live
For those following the race from shore or afar, there are plenty of ways to experience the excitement:

• Best viewing spots – Watch the race start from Shorncliffe Pier or along the Moreton Bay shoreline.
• Live coverage – Stream the race in real time on Kayo Freebies, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Easter in Gladstone – Celebrate the finish and watch the official presentation as part of Gladstone’s biggest annual festival.

Plan your visit and find full spectator details at brisbanetogladstone.com/watch-the-race.

The livestream of the 2025 Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is proudly brought to you by the Gladstone Regional Council's Easter in Gladstone.

Be part of Queensland’s offshore racing history
The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is more than a competition, it is a rite of passage in Australian sailing. Whether on the water or watching from shore, this event is an unmissable part of Queensland’s maritime calendar.

Get involved, spread the word, and we will see you on the start line!

A reminder that race entries close on 31 March. Full details, including the Notice of Race and registration, can be found at brisbanetogladstone.com.

Words: Kerrin Schallmeiner, QCYC

Photo: Dylan Edwards