Based on the long range forecast, the Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race fleet is in for a cool and light to moderate air race and yet again, Brindabella’s longstanding record for the 384 nautical mile course looks safe.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Logan today predicted a 5-10 knot west to sou’westerly wind for the fleet of 76 yachts which start at 1pm on Saturday from Sydney Harbour.
Following the start, winds are expected to ease in the afternoon and become variable in direction, especially close inshore. On Sunday morning, conditions will be similar to that of the start with light to moderate west to sou’westerly winds. Winds will be come variable on Sunday afternoon before an expected significant strengthening of southerly winds during Monday, due to a low in the Tasman Sea.
The further north the fleet is, the less likely they will feel the impact of the low, and with winds forecast to strengthen on Monday, there’s some good news for the back of the fleet which may get some good winds as they make their way through the closing miles as they head to the finish line off Southport’s Main Beach on the Queensland Gold Coast.
Once again, navigators will be revered in the notoriously tactical ‘rock hopping’ Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. At this stage the southerly running current is minimal so those who choose to go offshore searching for more wind will only sacrifice minimal speed as they punch into the current.
“With these conditions, we are likely to see a competitive run for the overall win on handicap. We, together with the Bureau of Meteorology, will be watching to see if the low in the Tasman Sea on Sunday evening/Monday morning develops, bringing with it some strong southerly winds. If this occurs we may see some of the smaller yachts in the fleet experiencing a strong finish. As always with light conditions, it will be a tactical yacht race up the coast for navigators to ensure they pick the breeze and minimise a drop in speed as they avoid the holes.” said Garry Linacre, Vice Commodore and Chairman of the CYCA’s Sailing Committee.
Skippers will attend this Thursday’s race briefing at 6pm at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia where the official pre-race forecast will be delivered by the Bureau of Meteorology. A final weather briefing to be held at the club at 8.30am on the morning of the start, Saturday 26 July, will give skippers and crews the latest weather information before they leave the marina.
Keen enthusiasts can track the fleet as they sail up the coast as each yacht is fitted with the CYCA’s unique yacht tracking device which sends regular updates to the race website – www.goldcoast.cyca.com.au. Details of all yachts participating in the event can be found under ‘The Yachts’ tab.
The official start of the Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, will be at 1pm on Saturday 26 July. When the race concludes at the Gold Coast, boats will be welcomed by key local sponsor of the Southport Yacht Club, Audi Centre Gold Coast.
This event also marks the third event in the four part Audi IRC Australian Championship series that will be decided at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Now in its second year, the Audi IRC Australian Championship sees the winner drive home in a sporty Audi Q7 SUV, as well as an Australian Championship title.
