Entries are building for the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, with 11 boats confirmed since registration opened on 16 April.
The 384-nautical-mile race is a winter offshore test and the opening event of the 2026/27 Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore.
Defending overall winner Sebastian Bohm is set to return with the JV TP52 Smuggler. He told CYCA Media his crew would be “better, faster and hungrier” for the title defence.
The Sydney 38 Clockwork was the first to enter. Owners Mary-Ann Harvey and Andrew Lloyd will deliver the boat from South Australia to start their campaign.
Ian Creak has entered his Beneteau 47.7 GWM Pennant Hills. A regular competitor, he has sailed more than 30 editions of the race.
“Let’s face it, when you leave Sydney Heads it’s like getting on an aeroplane,” Creak told CYCA Media. “Going to Southport is the first class run.”
Last year, GWM Pennant Hills won the Corinthian IRC division and placed second in IRC Division 2.
Richard Hudson’s IC 45 MOD Pretty Woman returns with its mixed crew campaign, targeting Corinthian honours.
Sean Langman’s Reichel Pugh GP42 Back 2 Black is also entered following a busy 2025 programme, including the Admiral’s Cup and Rolex Sydney Hobart. Langman is managing director of race naming partner Noakes Group.
Entries close at 1700 hours on 10 July 2026.
Entries so far: Antipodes, Back 2 Black, Clockwork, GWM Pennant Hills, KOA, Pretty Woman, Ragtime, Smuggler, Sticky, Troubadour and Vixen Racing.
