How long is the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race?

About 308 nautical miles, from Bramble Bay to Gladstone Harbour.

What is the race record?

Black Jack 100 set the record in 2022: 16 hours 13 minutes 56 seconds.

Where can I watch the yachts arrive in Gladstone?

From East Shores and the waterfront near Auckland Creek, or follow the live tracker online.

Racing yachts with white sails heeled over on blue water near a green headland

Starts every Good Friday. Yachts finish in Gladstone over Easter

Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race

First sailed in 1949, this ocean race covers about 308 nautical miles from Moreton Bay to Gladstone Harbour. The fleet’s arrival is the reason Harbour Festival began.

Next confirmed dates

Good Friday, 26 March 2027

Where

Finish line at Auckland Creek, Gladstone

Cost

Free to watch.

Organiser

Queensland Cruising Yacht Club

What to expect

The start off Shorncliffe in Bramble Bay on Good Friday morning
A course north past the Sunshine Coast, K’gari and Lady Elliot Island to Gladstone
Fast boats can finish overnight. The race record is 16 hours 13 minutes 56 seconds, set by Black Jack 100 in 2022
Live yacht tracking on the official race site

Follow the live tracker to time your visit, because the leaders can arrive in the early hours of Saturday
Watch the arrivals from East Shores, or join the events at O’Connell Wharf
The fleet arrives during Harbour Festival, so pair the two

History

Seven yachts started the first race in 1949. It is one of Australia’s oldest ocean races and was not held in 2020. Since 1997 the finish line has been on the western side of Auckland Creek.