The 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race Kicks Off Amid Perfect Sailing Conditions

On a picture-perfect winter day, the fleet for the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race set off at 1300hrs sharp. Under a brilliant winter sun, the yachts sailed north with a strong 13-15 knots, weaving through the light morning rain and evaporating clouds.

The conditions were near-perfect. As the yachts swiftly navigated the harbour, the larger boats showcased their prowess. There were two striking face-offs that held spectators’ eyes captive: a nail-biting match between Wild Thing 100 and Moneypenny, and a fierce battle between Smuggler and Highly Sprung. Every second was a testament to tactical acumen, and every metre gained was a victory fiercely celebrated.

Smuggler, helmed by the adept Tim Davis and owned by Sebastian Bohm, was the first non-mini maxi to make its way out of Sydney Harbour. As the reigning champion of the 2024/25 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore, all eyes were on the Smuggler crew to repeat their sparkling performance. Frantic and Sticky, along with Highly Sprung, Koa, and Antipodes, closely followed behind.

Threading their way through the waves was a swarm of 40-foot range yachts, led by Daguet 2, Bushranger, and Minerva. With Division 1 and 2 packed with these formidable mid-sized yachts, onboard drama and high-seas action were practically guaranteed.

Among the 14 Double Handed teams, Avalanche emerged as the early leader. Co-skippers James Murchison and James Francis carried their wealth of experience from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Races into this competition, promising a fantastic contest in the days to come.

Every yacht race is a testament to the beauty of sailing, the synchronized dance of nature and machine, the thrill of competition, and the collective passion of sailors and spectators alike. And the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht race is set to be a sublime spectacle of this enduring saga.