Entries open for 2022 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

The start of the 2019 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race © Andrea Francolini

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is now welcoming entries from boats across Australia and abroad for a historic edition of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race in 2022.

Following cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, the popular 384 nautical mile race will return on Saturday 30 July 2022.

For the first time in race history, the fleet will include two-handed crews. Eligible two-handed boats will be able to compete for the Peter Rysdyk Memorial Trophy, awarded to the overall winner on IRC.

The 2022 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast is the opening race in the 2022/23 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore, which features six races, culminating in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

"The much-anticipated return of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast is sure to attract a strong fleet," said CYCA Commodore, Noel Cornish AM.

"The addition of two-handed crews adds an exciting element to the 2022 race and we expect to see some of the biggest names in Australian offshore sailing on the start line.

"The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast is one of the CYCA's great blue water challenges and provides an excellent pathway for young sailors who are making the step up to longer offshore racing.

"I would like to extend a particular thank you to our Race Sponsor, Noakes Group, for their support over the last two years as we dealt with the challenges of Covid."

Barry Cuneo's TP52 Envy Scooters was the Overall winner in the 2019 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast, when the Oatley Family's Reichel/Pugh 66 Wild Oats X won Line Honours.

Former overall winners include Chutzpah, Komatsu Azzurro, Ichi Ban, Celestial, Quest, Grundig, Brindabella and Ragamuffin.

Sean Langman, Managing Director of Race Sponsor Noakes Group, is looking forward to being back on the water for a race in which he has previously won Line and Overall Honours.

"The team at Noakes Group is pleased to continue the great partnership with the CYCA for the 36th edition of the Sydney Gold Coast," said Langman.

"Three years after the last trip to Gold Coast, it will be a great feeling to be back on the start line.

"The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast is a highlight of the racing calendar for so many competitors and I'm eager to see another high calibre fleet in action."

Entries are open until Friday 15 July 2022. Visit the official race website for more information and updates.