Discover the best vantage point for this weekend’s Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race
Posted on July 30th, 2020
With a forecasted twenty-knot minimum behind them throughout the 348 nautical mile race, this year’s Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race is expected to be fast and exhilarating, with records set to be broken!
For the first time ever, the fleet setting sail on Friday 31 July will be ‘all Queensland’ vessels. Starting from 11am, the race commences just east of Green Island on Brisbane’s beautiful Moreton Bay with crews crossing into Keppel Bay waters from early Saturday morning.
With 17 vessels ready and raring to take on one of Australia’s premier coastal races, Kylie Smith from Keppel Bay Marina is looking forward to warmly welcoming sailors to our destination as they disembark from the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s signature offshore yachting event.
“Even in these unprecedented times, it is so promising to see such overwhelming support of this longstanding competition,” Kylie said. “The diversity of high-quality events across our destination truly provides a wonderful platform for highlighting what we have to offer and showcase the facilities, expertise and creativity of our local operators.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Finish Line Festival at Keppel Bay Marina will look a bit different this year. With 180 sailors arriving across Saturday and Sunday, the event will be at capacity. Locals wanting to be a part of the celebration are urged to get in early and book a table at The Waterline Restaurant.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll is encouraging the community to take advantage of our local lookouts and cheer on the yachts as they arrive.
“Our coastline is brimming with impressive vantage points to witness the magnificent site of the fleet crossing the finish line, which lays in a direct line between Double Head and North Keppel Island. The Singing Ship at Emu Park, Wreck Point at Cooee Bay or Double Head Lookout at Rosslyn Bay are all prime spots to watch the exciting finish,” Mary said.
“With Sunday’s weather predicted to be fine and sunny with a maximum of 21 degrees, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and show support of our Queensland sailors.”
Followers will be able to track the fleet via rqys.com.au to see exactly where the yachts are throughout the entirety of the race.
Now in its 14th year, past Commodore and Race Director, Mark Gallagher from the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is proud to see the pinnacle event going from strength to strength and continuing to hold its significance on Queensland’s sailing calendar.
“The strong winds forecast for the early part of the race will see crews working hard for every bit of speed. And despite our challenging times it’s great to see Queensland entries supporting the race.”
The formal presentation of trophies will take place at Keppel Bay Marina on Monday 3rd August. To keep up to date with real time news, placings, photos and videos, check out the Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/brisbanetokeppel/.
To book your table at The Waterline Restaurant, call 4933 6244.
