Crews escape injury after yacht in Brisbane to Gladstone race struck by lightning

A yacht has been struck by lightning while racing in an iconic Easter weekend event, as others struggle to make it through the wet weather.

Crew members on board a yacht have miraculously escaped injury after their vessel was struck by lightning during a race.

The 75th annual Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race began on Good Friday, despite heavy rainfall and hail lashing parts of southeast Queensland.

While the wet weather made it tricky for all vessels to start the race, one yacht was given a big shock when it was struck by lightning in the middle of the event.

Lightning and thunderstorm conditions settled over Brisbane on Friday. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Yacht “Celeste” lost all electronics on-board during the lightning strike, but decided to continue the race with only their VHF radio connection.

The crew is reportedly safe, with all competitors accounted for and no reported injuries.

The wet conditions have caused other racers to retire, after nearly 20mm of rain fell in just half an hour overnight.

SailWorldNews: Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race off and racing in wet conditions :Even more challenging conditions lie ahead for the 46 yachts @B2GYachtRacehttps://t.co/S6WbjaBnj2pic.twitter.com/ro6oJKuCaK

— Sailing Weekly (@hellosailing) April 7, 2023

Eight yachts have retired overnight, with some reporting damage to mainsails.

Thirty eight are still racing, and are set to cross the finish line on Sunday.

Day two of the race on Saturday kicked off with a hail warning from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Large hailstones fell in parts of the state, with thunderstorm cells set to move into the Somerset region throughout Saturday.

⛈️There have been reports of giant hail between 9 & 11cm on the Darling Downs this afternoon. As well as a 104km/hr wind gust at Oakey. If you have received giant hail and it is safe to do so, please help us preserve these stones for research purposes using the steps below. pic.twitter.com/vqNoy1V70T

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) April 7, 2023

For those attending the race, conditions are expected to ease with the sun set to shine for the rest of the week.

Windy conditions on Saturday should ease by the afternoon, with temperatures in the low 30s to high 20s continuing on until next weekend.

Originally published as Crews escape injury after yacht in Brisbane to Gladstone race struck by lightning