Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race expected to go down to the wire in midnight finish

Winner of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race expected to finish at Southport in the Monday pre-dawn

A pre-dawn scramble for finish line honours is expected on Monday as the Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race reaches a thrilling climax.

The second largest offshore regatta in the country – behind only the Sydney to Hobart – features a fleet of 61 boats this year.

The race commenced on a dazzling Saturday afternoon in the Harbour City, with competitors instantly engaged in a tussle to make the most of a fickle south-easterly blowing at 2-3 knots.

RP100 Black Jack kicked out to an early lead, but by Sunday afternoon had been caught off Coffs Harbour by Andoo Comanche and Hamilton Island Wild Oats in a three-way scramble for the lead.

The fleet races to make the most of limited winds in Sydney Harbour. Picture: Andrea Francolini

With the big boats making their way towards the finish line at the Southport Yacht Club superyacht berth, club general manager Brett James said the victors would likely cross the finish line in the early hours of Monday morning.

“It’s certainly been a smooth race – maybe too smooth at times given the gentle wind – but we expect a great finish on Monday morning with competitors arriving in the Superyacht Berth,” he said.

Enterprise Next Generation making headway out of Sydney Harbour. Picture: Andrea Francolini

Mr James called the race one of two premier events on the sailing calendar – alongside the Sydney to Hobart – capable of driving growing interest in sailing.

“Every year we field hundreds of calls from residents and media wanting to know more about the magnificent vessels they see sailing off their beaches,” he said.

“There’s definitely a growing interest in the sport – and post lockdowns it’s hard to beat outdoor activities like this.”

While the winners are expected to dock on Monday authorities predicted the majority of the field should be arriving by Wednesday.