Yachting News
PAPER TIGER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025!
Congratulations to the following winners:
BLUE SKIES FOR THE COOK ISLAND YACHT RACE !
Between lightning storms on both Saturday and Monday, a fleet of 11 crews who decided to go ahead were blessed with some ideal racing conditions on Sunday for Race 3 of our Coral Sea Pointscore Series, the Cook Island Yacht Race 2025/26. The Fleet was sent north for a windward start to a clearing mark, before kites were hoisted for the relatively straight-forward passage down passed the NSW border. SYC’s race control team did a great job to host our drone pilot and arrive just in time to lay the Cook Island Mark, with Aramex Shining Sea the first boat around, followed by Wedgetail, Touche42 and Black Diamond. The return leg was also relatively straight forward with next to no tacks required of the leading boats, making this year’s race a fast and close one on corrected time.
Congratulations to the following winners:
ORC OVERALL & IRC:
1st: Wedgetail – David Rose, corrected time on IRC of 04:35:21 and ORC 05:02:52
2nd: Touche42 – Greg Watson, corrected time on IRC of 04:37:07 and ORC 05:07:11
3rd: Aramex Shining Sea – Chris Noyes, corrected time on IRC of 04:38:34 and ORC 05:10:37
PHS:
1st: Alpha Tauri – Wayne Kirby
2nd: Touche42 – Greg Watson
3rd: Wedgetail – David Rose
For all the photos from on water and presentation, please visit the SYC Offshore & Twilight Facebook Group
POWER BOAT MELBOURNE CUP CRUISE
UPCOMING SYC SPECIAL EVENTS
DATE CHANGE; …THE BASH IS NOW A CHRISTMAS EVENT!
SOLO TRANS-TASMAN CHALLENGE 2026
Entries now closed – 20 Contenders!
Entries now closed – 20 Contenders including 7 Australians!
The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge, the only single-handed ocean yacht race in the Southern Hemisphere, will finish at Southport Yacht Club (SYC) in 2026. First held in 1970, the race has long been recognised as a unique test of seamanship, skill, and endurance. The 2026 edition will be the 16th running of the event. Traditionally raced from New Plymouth, New Zealand, to Mooloolaba, Australia, the course has been updated and will run from Opua, Bay of Islands, to Southport.
The Opua Cruising Club is the official Organising Authority for the event, with support from Southport Yacht Club. Commodore Terry Dunn of Opua Cruising Club described the Challenge as “a testament to seamanship and resilience” and highlighted its role in strengthening the maritime bond between New Zealand and Australia. Thirteen yachts have already confirmed for the 2026 race – five from New Zealand and four from Australia – ensuring a true trans-Tasman contest. Kiwi sailors have won the last two editions, while the most recent Australian victory was in 2010.
SYC Member Peter Elkington has entered the challenge with his boat Pacman.
For more information visit the website at https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/
GCCM GOLD COAST MACKAY YACHT RACE 2026
EOI is now open for 2026. Indicate your intention to race now before the early bird, and help grow this race’s momentum across Australia.
SYC ACADEMY
Sailing at Oxenford – by Ashlea Kernahan
Last weekend brought a mix of light winds and strong heat, but that didn’t stop our sailors from getting out and making the most of their sessions. We saw some excellent sailing across both Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of smiles and steady progress from all groups.
This coming weekend, 13th–15th November, we’ll be welcoming a national Outrigging event to the lake. As a result, our Learn to Sail programs will take a short break and recommence next weekend for Week 5. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water then!
Our November Adult Learn to Sail course has been running at full capacity, with participants showing great progress and enthusiasm. The group will be ready to finish up next weekend, and some are already confident enough to take to open water sailing.
With school holidays just around the corner, our team is gearing up for another exciting season of sailing. Programs will run from 8th December to 23rd January, aligning with Queensland private school holidays.
We’re also introducing a Kids Learn to Sail – Level 1 Fast-Tracked Program running from 5th–9th January, perfect for new sailors wanting to learn the basics, build confidence, and fast-track their skills before Term 1.
For our older sailors, the Teens RS Quest Sailing Program will launch this summer from 15th–19th December at Oxenford Lake — a new and exciting opportunity designed specifically for teens looking to take their sailing to the next level.
Sailor of the Week – Blayze Galvin (Tackers 2)
This week we’re celebrating Blayze Galvin from our Tackers 2 group! Blayze showed fantastic focus and determination on the water last weekend, taking on new challenges with confidence and enthusiasm. His growing independence and teamwork really stood out to our instructors . amazing effort, Blayze!
Upcoming Programs
School Holiday Sailing
Monday- Friday | 8th December – 23rd January | Full day & Half Day sessions available
Cost: Half day $65, Full Day $95
Fun, hands-on sailing for kids of all levels during the Queensland private school holidays.
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/southportyachtclub/items/575498/calendar/2025/12/?full-items=yes
Kids Learn to Sail – Level 1 Fast-Tracked Program
5th – 9th January
Cost:$415pp
A five-day course designed for beginners to fast-track their skills and confidence on the water.
https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/321928
Teens RS Quest Sailing Program
15th – 19th December
Cost: $420pp
An exciting new program for teens to advance their sailing using our RS Quest boats.
https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/320444
Adult Learn to Sail – December Course
7th, 14th & 21st December
Cost $415pp
Learn the fundamentals of sailing across three Sundays — no experience required.
https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/273245
RACING RESULTS 2025/2026
SYC Special Events:
Club Division Results:
- Offshore Division Results
- Thursday Twilight Offshore Series Results
- Thursday Twilight Results
- Inshore Division Results
- Off the Beach Catamarans Division
- Off the Beach Dinghies Results