News
Get your entries in for the GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2026!
Published Thu 26 Feb 2026
This weekend marks 150 days till the big dance north!
Huge news for 2026 - Entrants who compete in both the Gold Coast Mackay and Hamilton Island Race Week will save heaps, with complimentary berthing in both Mackay and Hamilton Island between events! That’s up to 12 days of savings!
You are going to love the spinnaker start on July 30, with the freedom of navigational options on offer up the tropical Queensland coastline this winter. And with the finish line part of the Mackay Festival of Arts, the atmosphere and abundant benefits for entrants makes this both a fun and smart choice compared to just a delivery or cruise north!
#GCMYR26 is a Category 2 race, following the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast and is an official Rolex Sydney Hobart qualifier.
Join 17+ entrants who have already signed up, including the return of the 2025 IRC & OPC winner Sun Fish, PHS winner Cyan Moon, and 2024 & 2025 Line Honours defending champion supermaxi Wild Thing 100!
Need a nudge? Check out the brand new race highlight reel:
LOAD UP ON THESE BENEFITS:
Entrants in 2026 will enjoy stress-free access and amenity to all race preparation needs, including:
- Complimentary berthing at
- Southport Yacht Club before the race,
- Mackay Marina after the race till the 9th August!
- Hamilton Island Marina from the 9th to 13th August!
- Discounted boat lift and hardstand rates at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard for use within 180 days,
- 24/7 Race Control providing safety overwatch north,
- Discounted MOB1 & PLB3 gear from Bosuns Locker,
- Special Accommodation Rates:
- 25% discounted accommodation at the new and nearby TRYP hotel by Wyndham Southport,
- Exclusive accommodation rates at Mantra Mackay,
- Gear Truck & secure luggage room within Mackay Marina,
- Courtesy vehicles for crew supplies,
- Upon Arrival:
- A bottle of award-winning local rum!
- Hot burgers and cold beers!
- An after hours BBQ for overnight arrivals,
- Live Music most nights!
- A fantastic Race Village and spectator atmosphere at Mackay Marina, including Sunday Markets and Pine Islet Lighthouse celebrations,
- Dining options include a Steakhouse, Sports Bar & Pizza/Fish & Chips & local coffee spot right on the Marina,
- Magnificent trophies you’ll want to get your hands on,
- Generous prizes from sponsors, including the award-winning rum from Sarina Sugar Shed,
- Official qualification for your boat and crew into the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2026,
- Race finishes during the Mackay Festival of Arts,
- Spectator sweepstakes, aka Boat Battle competition run by radio stations Sea FM, Hit FM and Triple M!
- More to be announced soon!
