Two local racing teams set sail to Brisbane to Gladstone start line

Restless Racing has officially set sail for GPC's 74th Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race © Gladstone Ports Corporation

Local favourite, Restless Racing has officially set sail for Gladstone Port's Corporation's (GPC) 74th Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race - setting out on a 300-nautical mile journey to the starting line before racing back this Easter.

Family and friends gathered at Auckland Creek at the weekend to farewell skipper John Ibell and his crew.

Restless Racing team member and wife of the skipper Leanne Ibell, said the crew had been training tirelessly and were excited to reveal their uniforms at the starting line.

"Every year the team comes up with an exciting shirt design but this year's design is particularly special because it's in honour of Mabo and celebrates 30-years since the landmark decision. My family has a special association and memories of the Torres Strait Islands so we wanted to celebrate with our new race shirts," Mrs Ibell said.

"The crew are all very excited for the race and I'll be joining family and friends at the finish line to cheer them on!"

Gladstone's darling Wistari will also join Restless on the water this Easter after winning the Courier-Mail Cup in 2021, one of Australia's oldest and continual perpetual trophies.

Wisatri's Skipper Scott Patrick said he was determined to race the 74th GPC Brisbane to Gladstone as it might be his last.

"I had a fall over Christmas, crushing my vertebra. My back will never fully heal but I figure it might be the last race for the old girl, at least with most of the current crew. Three of the crew will have their own boats going forward," Mr Patrick said.

As for the race conditions.

"Naturally I have no idea what the weather will be like at this stage but I've managed to optimise Wistari over the years to make her pretty competitive in most conditions. As the smallest boat we're looking for a light start and a heavy finish scenario, "he said.

Restless Racing has officially set sail for GPC's 74th Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race - photo © Gladstone Ports Corporation

GPC Marina Superintendent David Osmond said there was plenty to look forward to this Easter from entertainment for the kids to yacht race action live streamed on the East Shores Cinema Screen and a new finishing line.

"As the naming right sponsor to the iconic event, GPC is providing spectators with front row seats to the race with the new finishing line at East Shores' Patsy Lee Place, it's a perfect spot to see the yachts hit the finish line," Mr Osmond said.

"The race office is ready and the pontoon is out - we can't wait to celebrate Easter in Gladstone," he said.

"Restless and Wistari are among 38 yachts competing this Easter including racing heavy weights such as Maritimo, Stefan Racing and two of Australia's rival ocean racing maxis, Black Jack and Ichi Ban,"

"The highly decorated racing teams Black Jack and Ichi Ban both took home a win in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart last December so we're expecting a nail biting race!"

The race sets sail on 15 April 2022.