The Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) will officially launch the 78th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race (B2G) at a special event on Saturday 18 October 2025, marking the countdown to the 2026 race, which sets sail on Good Friday, 3 April 2026.

Hosted at the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in Shorncliffe, the launch event will bring together dignitaries, past entrants, sponsors, and sailing enthusiasts to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic offshore races.

Guests will hear from The Hon. Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, along with representatives from Gladstone Ports Corporation, the race’s long-standing naming rights sponsor.

QCYC Commodore David Hamilton said the launch represents more than the start of the next race cycle. It is an opportunity to honour the legacy of a Queensland tradition that began in 1949.

“The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is a true test of endurance and seamanship, but it’s also about community, camaraderie and a shared love of sailing,” Commodore

Hamilton said. “The launch event brings together those who have helped shape the race’s history, and those who will carry it forward.”

As part of this year’s launch, QCYC will unveil a new B2G Time Capsule, inviting past entrants and race supporters to contribute a legacy item and written reflection of their B2G experiences. The capsule will remain open until the conclusion of the 80th race in 2028, to be opened again at the 100th race in 2048.

“The Time Capsule is our way of preserving the stories, achievements and spirit of the people who make the race what it is,” Commodore Hamilton said. “It’s about celebrating where we’ve come from, and inspiring future generations of sailors.”

The event will conclude with the official raising of the B2G 2026 flag, signalling that entries for the 78th race are now open.

The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race has been hosted by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club since 1949 and remains one of Australia’s premier blue-water events, streamed globally and watched by thousands each Easter.

For more information or to enter the 2026 race, visit brisbanetogladstone.com.au.