Classic plan for start of historic race

Pictured: The Mohokoi, the official start vessel of the 2023 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

A flotilla of classic cruisers looks set to join the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race (B2G) and “chase” the main fleet along the Redcliffe shoreline.

Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) Commodore and organiser of the 75^th B2G, Ian Gidlow as invited Moreton Bay Classic Cruisers to form a spectator fleet.

All would gather at the start, off Shorncliffe on Good Friday, packed with spectators and see the race fleet begin its 308 nautical mile journey north.

“Queensland’s classic cruisers have had a long association with the B2G and have traditionally been the official start vessels, including South Pacific 2, Bali Hai 2 and this year, Mohokoi,” Mr Gidlow said.

Annual fixture

“We are in talks to ensure the classic cruising boats undertake a procession past the Shorncliffe Pier for Sandgate Bluewater Festival goers and then chase the race fleet up to the Redcliffe turning buoy to parade past Redcliffe,” he said.

“The Moreton Bay Classic team has indicated the B2G race start should become an annual fixture on their cruising gatherings and party calendar, which on behalf of QCYC we warmly welcome.”

Moreton Bay Classic Cruisers are described as quintessential to Moreton Bay and traditionally diesel-powered motor vessels that travel at displacement speeds.

Timber cruiser Mohokoi – a favourite on the Moreton Bay classic wooden boat’s cruising scene – will be the official start vessel for the 75^th B2G.

It will take around 60 race officials, dignitaries and other VIPs to the start line 500 metres off Shorncliffe Pier.

Fourth time

Now based out of Manly, the Mohokoi has been the official start vessel for the race three times before – the last being in 2018.

Its crew will be led by 24-year-old skipper Jacob Oxlade, marking his third time skippering an official start vessel for the B2G.

The B2G is one of the oldest and most competitive blue water yacht races on the Australian sailing calendar and one of the highest profile Easter sporting events.

It was first held over Easter 1949 with seven vessels, two had radios while Brisbane’s Homing Pigeon Club supplied pigeons for the others to relay their positions. .

For more on the B2G click here for the website; here for the Facebook page or Instagram at @brisbane2gladstoneyachtrace