Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race skipper on an equality mission

Hot Seat skipper Cathyrn Levings is breaking barriers and promoting positivity as she and her crew prepare for the 74th annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Susan Benko, Cathryn Levings, Grace Levings and Christine Mah get set to take on the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race on their boat 'Hot Seat'. Picture: Lachie Millard

A southeast Queensland sailing crew are looking to break barriers and promote positivity as they gear up for the 74th annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Cathryn Levings will skipper Hot Seat and a crew of six, including her husband David and son Matthew, in the annual event which starts in Moreton Bay on Good Friday.

Ms Levings said women interested in sailing did not need to be “tarts in a tin can”, i.e. tall and attractive, in order to take part in the sport which accepts people from all backgrounds.

“The mentality over the years has been that women are just on the boat for decoration and to cook and clean, but we actually do everything else,” she said.

“We sail, steer the boat, take control and do whatever we need to do in order to race the absolute best we can.”

Cathryn Levings is ready to take on the 74th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race on her boat Hot Seat. Picture Lachie Millard

Ms Levings’ personal racing career began in 2017 when she and David purchased a boat and entered races at Southport Yacht Club among other destinations.

“Initially my husband was at the helm but I increasingly found myself there and eventually asked him ‘why don’t you just let me steer?’ so I took over in a big way.”

Following a $50,000 cash win on Channel 9’s Millionaire Hot Seat, Ms Levings purchased a bigger boat and strengthened her racing pedigree.

“The boat we race now is a fantastic one, there’s only two in Australia and I’m using that to prepare for the Brisbane to Gladstone event.”

Christine Mah, Cathryn Levings, Grace Levings and Susan Benko. Picture Lachie Millard

Ms Levings said it was fantastic to be returning to the Port City after an extended absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic cancelling the event.

“Gladstone likes to do things the country way and invite everyone up, I grew up in Central Queensland so I’m a country girl too,” she said.

“Its great to bring these sort of events to the regional areas, for local tourism and to demonstrate that women do belong on race yachts.”

The 74th annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race will be streamed live this Friday, April 15. Follow the event live here.