GCCM takes on naming rights to Australia's newest ocean race - Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2024

GCCM Arctic Blonde © Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard

Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) are proud to be Naming Rights partner of Australia's newest ocean race - the inaugural GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2024 which will set sail 1st August.

Race Organisers, Southport Yacht Club will officially launch the 520 nautical mile passage GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race tonight as the perfect follow-on race from Noakes Sydney to Gold Coast Race to send Australian sailors racing up Queensland's coast for Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Weeks in August.

Australia's newest race will offer a magnificent start location setting sail from the ocean waters of Surfers Paradise with the spectacular Gold Coast city backdrop with plenty of on-water on on-shore viewing opportunities.

GCCM Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Chapman says supporting sailing and race boats is a vital part of the shipyard's busy business operations.

'As a group of boaties supporting boaties, GCCM and our marine trade partners have been servicing and rigging sailing boats in the Gold Coast for more than 20 years" says Andrew Chapman, GCCM's COO "and we have been increasing our collaboration with race competitors and boat builders as a specific strategy as I share the passion for sailing:

We are the proud sponsors of Southport Yacht Club members, such as Xavier Doerr who attempted to circumnavigate around Australia last year. We sail weekly on GCCM Arctic Blonde, a Hick 39 Performance sailing yacht based in Southport and have enjoyed supporting Grant Wharington in the transformation of his super maxi for Sydney to Hobart at GCCM" adds Chapman.

In an enticing opportunity for race entrants, any vessel who registers in the new race has an opportunity to receive 20% off their stay at GCCM for their yard visit, this includes any berth, lift, water blast, enviro fee & hardstand.

Southport Yacht Club Vice Commodore of Sail, Glenn Burrell welcomed GCCM's support and recognition of the importance of establishing this new ocean race for Queensland.

"On behalf of the Race Committee and management of Southport Yacht Club, I would like to thank Andrew Chapman, GCCM CEO and his team for their sponsorship of our new flagship event," Glenn said.

"We are delighted to increase our collaboration and work with GCCM with so many racing yachts able to enjoy the peace of mind that GCCM offers for any refit and repair work to their prize racing yachts, he said.

"This exciting new partnership will not just give rise to a very exciting blue water ocean race for Australia but provide excellent re-fit and repair opportunities for our competing sailors."

GCCM Arctic Blonde skipper, Peter Cook commended GCCM on their decision to further extend their support of Australian sailing with this new partnership.

"GCCM is the ideal refit yard for members of the Southport Yacht Club" Pete said.

"They are the closest shipyard, offer the best marine specialists in the southern hemisphere, with world-famous sail makers and riggers, and the keel pit is great when working on the hull," he said.

"The boss appreciates his sailing too and is a great supporter of sailing in SE Queensland ??."

To this day, the GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Race has already attracted 14 race entries from Queensland and New South Wales.

Entries so far in the Gold Coast City Marina Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race are as follows: