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The Yachts

Home About The Race The Yachts

From vintage timber yachts to high-tech racing machines. Each crew shares one goal: to start their offshore racing season with a strong result.

The fleet spread out across the Harbour
Noakes Sydney Gold Coast 2025 - Highly Sprung.
Noakes Sydney Gold Coast 2025 - Blue Planet.

Who Can Race?

The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is open to any yacht that meets the Category 2 offshore safety requirements. This means each boat is fully equipped for racing for an extended duration usually not far from shorelines, while maintaining a high degree of self-sufficiency.

Boats range from 30-foot classics to 100-foot super maxis, sailed by everyone from club sailors to America’s Cup and Ocean Race veterans.

Only monohulls can partake in the race. 

Fully Crewed or Double Handed?

Yacht Design & Innovation

 

Race Categories

  • IRC: Used worldwide, IRC is the benchmark system that determines the race’s Overall Winner. Each yacht’s performance potential is rated based on precise measurements, ensuring any well-sailed boat can take the top prize. 
  • PHS: PHS is a performance handicap system that sits outside of measurement-based rating systems. It recognises a boat’s performance over time and adjusts its handicap based on previous race outcomes.
  • Corinthian Division: For amateur sailors competing purely for the love of the sport, the spirit of ocean racing at its most authentic. 
  • Double Handed Division: For double-handed crews who tackle the race with 2 people onboard.
  • Over the years there have been different categories in the race like, IOR, IMS & ORCi.