Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race / 530nm / 30 July – 6 Aug 2020

Join us aboard Ocean Gem at Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast for the 50nm delivery trip north on the 1st of August to RQYS in preparation for race start the following day.

We will stay aboard on 30th July, attend the pre-race briefing and complete final preparations for the race start the following day. On the 31st July the gun will fire at 1100 hours and we’ll be off with a fleet of 30+ yachts on the race out of Moreton Bay, north past Cape Moreton, the Sunshine Coast and up the eastern side of the worlds largest sand island; Fraser Island.

We’ll then weave our way through the islands of the Whitsundays in search for the optimum combination of course, currents and wind to Hamilton Island Marina, where we will berth and celebrate at the prize-giving presentation ashore.

The race will take 3-5 days depending on wind direction and strength and we would expect to complete it on the 3rd to 5th of August. You are welcome to stay onboard Ocean Gem the entire time and should plan to fly out of Hamilton Island Airport on or after 6th August.

Listen to Podcast Episode 80 – Winning the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race by 7 minutes (in 2019)

It was recorded after our successful race result and shares the challenges, setbacks and race strategy that led to taking out 1st place in both IRC and PHS in Division 2 of this inaugural ocean race alongside the other three podium winners; Wild Oats X (line honours mono), Ichi Ban (IRC Division 1) and Mod Beau Geste (line honours multi).

You could not script a better result and its a great example of a good crew sailing a boat to its potential to outperform newer, purpose designed race yachts (Dehler 46, DK46, Sydney 38, Sydney 40 and a Beneteau First 45) to achieve a double handicap win.

Listen to podcast

Your crew package includes:

• all meals onboard
• meals ashore
• accommodation onboard
• your Ocean Gem crew shirt
• race entry fees
• marina fees
• the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether
• your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included along with suncream.

Your crew package excludes:

• accommodation ashore
• flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports
• alcohol
• toiletries
• clothing and wet weather gear.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.