Ichi Ban wins 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race

Ichi Ban wins the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race © Sarah Motherwell

Matt Allen's Ichi Ban has won the Gladstone Ports Corporation's iconic 74th annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race overall on handicap. Ichi Ban last won the race and the coveted Courier-Mail Cup in 2018 which follows its win in the 2021 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race overall.

Ichi Ban was third across the finish line in a time of 18 hours 56 minutes and 14 seconds.

In a race of new records, Celestial - owned by Dr Sam Haynes - set a new record for a conventionally ballasted yacht, beating the previous elapsed time record. Celestial completed the 308 nautical mile race in 19 hours 24 minutes and 52 seconds.

Celestial during the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race - photo © Sarah Motherwell

Peter Harburg's Black Jack took line honours broke its own race record that had been held since 2018.

The official presentation ceremony was held last night at the Gladstone Regional Council's Brisbane to Gladstone Village.

Ian Gidlow, Commodore of race organising club, Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) says from start to finish it was one of the most remarkable races in the 74-year history of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

"This year's race was particularly important after Covid having disrupted yacht racing in Australia and to see the highest calibre yachts compete was impressive," Mr Gidlow said.

"Next year the race celebrates 75 years and we look forward to welcoming all our entrants back and more offshore racing yachts from around Australia and overseas," he said.

Considered Queensland's most iconic annual Easter sporting event and hosted by Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC), the Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race sees sailors compete for the coveted overall prize, The Courier-Mail Cup.

The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is steeped in history and was first ever sailed in Easter 1949 where seven vessels took the start line, two of which carried radios while Brisbane's Homing Pigeon Club supplied pigeons for the other competing vessels.

Further information about the Gladstone Ports Corporation's Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is available by visiting www.brisbanetogladstone.com

The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is celebrated throughout the Easter weekend thanks the Gladstone Regional Council's 'Easter in Gladstone' www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/easter