Counting down to blue water classic

The stage is set for one of Australia’s premier offshore sailing events which can be seen from Redcliffe’s waterfront tomorrow.

At 11am on Good Friday the 77^th Brisbane to Gladstone (B2G) Yacht Race will start by Shorncliffe Pier with 29 mono and multihull entries.

Spectators will see the fleet make its way north with best viewing positions initially being from the Ted Smout Bridge fishing platform and Woody Point Jetty.

Then Scotts Point, Margate Beach, Suttons Beach and off Scarborough beach, where the fleet turns around a buoy and takes the north west channel to Caloundra and Gladstone.

Hosted by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) at Shorncliffe, the attracts the state’s top sailors and competitors from across the country.

Since the first B2G in 1949, which had seven starters, it has tested entrants over 308 nautical miles from Moreton Bay to Gladstone Harbour.

“The Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is a true showcase of skill, determination and the rich maritime heritage of Queensland,” QCYC Commodore David Hamilton said.

“Reaching its 77th year is a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic event and we look forward to another year of fierce competition and unforgettable moments on the water.”

This year also marks QCYC’s 60th year of multihull racing, in partnership with the Multihull Yacht Club Queensland.

“We are proud to share this race with the multihull community and celebrate their 60-year contribution to offshore sailing,” Mr Hamilton said.

“For only the second time, multihulls will start alongside monohulls in a joint event, making this a fitting tribute to their history and role in the sport.”

Watch a livestream of the race start on Facebook - facebook.com/brisbanetogladstone; the B2G website – www.brisbanetogladstone.com and YouTube – B2GYachtRace

Boat owners and charter operators are encouraged to join the spectacle with the start two miles east of Shorncliffe Pier.

A strict exclusion zone will be marked by yellow buoys and official orange flag boats. A map of the exclusion zone is on the B2G website.

For full race details, spectator information and updates visit: brisbanetogladstone.com/watch-the-race