From the Bow of YKnot
Racing at the Port Douglas Race Week 2026
For those who haven’t sailed it, this is a five-day annual event that runs right alongside the massive Port Douglas Carnivale. While the tourists are packing Macrossan Street for the parade and fireworks, we were out on the Coral Sea battling it out for the iconic Clipper Cup.
I was lucky enough to be on board Y Knot for this event, working the bow. We went into the week with high hopes, and with a mix of champagne sailing and survival conditions, the Coral Sea delivered absolutely everything.
You never really know what you’re going to get with a May regatta in the tropics. The schedule promised passage races around the stunning Low Isle and Snapper Island, plus some technical buoy racing off the famous Four Mile Beach.
The first day? Glass. We had extremely light conditions, which meant the race committee had to shorten the course just to get us to the finish . It was slow, hot work on the bow, trying to squeeze every inch of boat-speed out of Y Knot. We managed to pull it together, though, winning the very first race of the regatta. It felt good to put a “1” on the scoreboard early.
But don’t let that gentle start fool you. The moment the first day was done, Mother Nature flicked a switch. For the rest of the series, the south-east trade winds roared in at 15 to 25 knots. Suddenly, we weren’t sunbathing; we were hanging on. Sailing upwind past the Low Isles with 25 knots of breeze and the top of the rig trying to kiss the water is why we do this. It was full-gas racing.
Everyone wants their name on that trophy. Last year’s winner, Charm Offensive (skippered by James Permezel), came back to defend, but there was a changing of the guard this year.
After years of competing in this event, Frank and Wendy Brace on board Time Out have finally done it. They sailed an incredibly consistent series in the tough conditions to claim 1st place and the bragging rights that come with the Clipper Cup. I was entertained on board Time Out as guests of Frank and Wendy one evening with cold drinks, sailing stories, and genuine Far North Queensland warmth that I won’t soon forget. Congratulations on your win.
Second place went to Matilda V, skippered by Gary Donnellan, while Charm Offensive had to settle for 3rd this time around.
As for Y Knot? We had that moment of glory on Day 1, but consistency is the name of the game in a five-day series. We fought hard, but we ultimately finished with 6th place overall in Division 1. It wasn’t the podium finish we wanted, but on a tough week, staying in the mix and pushing the leaders is all you can ask for.
While the racing is serious, the social aspect at the Port Douglas Yacht Club is great. I have to give a massive thank you to the hospitality of the PDYC. Not only do they run a tight ship on the race management side, but the vibe at the clubhouse afterward is always welcoming.
Blogs
Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster
Sailing down the coast on Rushour during the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore performance. Heavy Bass Strait and Southern Ocean conditions tested endurance, decision-making, and watch management, while the multihull’s record-breaking pace reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing, and protecting both crew and craft over a long, exposed passage.
Belle – IY60
Racing offshore on Belle, a 60-foot IY60, was a high-intensity test of big-boat handling. Loads, sail changes, and manoeuvres demanded precision, anticipation, and clear communication. The ORCV Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness, adaptability, and crew coordination, giving valuable experience in managing a large offshore yacht under pressure while maintaining speed and control.
QuiXotic
QuiXotic is a well-sailed X-41, but what stands out most is the crew. Andrew Middleton and the team create a positive, easygoing environment on board, focused on enjoying the racing and sailing well together. It’s a boat where good company and good sailing go hand in hand.
Rushour
On Rushour, I completed the 430nm Southport to Sydney qualifying passage, involved in all aspects of high-performance multihull sailing. From helming in varied conditions to managing asymmetric spinnaker trim and watch rotations, this experience built the discipline and confidence I carried directly into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
Fast Forward – Sydney 38
Faster Forward isn’t just a respected Sydney 38; for me, it represents the heart of sailing culture. After the Melbourne to Hobart, I was adopted into this tight-knit team, learning that success is built as much through shared dinners and crew camaraderie as it is through miles on the water.
Alex Team Macadie
Alex is a boat with a massive reputation, especially for its legendary double-handed feats. Racing with Jock MacAdie provided a firsthand look at how this Hart 14 has stayed competitive for decades. It’s a platform built on grit and offshore history, where the focus is always on high standards and coastal discipline.
Wings
The 1,100nm delivery of Wings from Hamilton Island to Sydney was a lesson in persistence. Most of the trip was spent punched into 18 to 25-knot headwinds and heavy seas. It was a great chance to get some serious hours on the helm at night and see how offshore routing actually works in the real world.
Unprecedented
Sailing out of Safety Beach on this modern Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was a shift in perspective. Lighter and more responsive than most cruiser-racers, the boat is purpose-built for efficiency. Managing the running backstays and highly loaded rig highlighted the technical precision needed to keep such a performance-focused platform moving at its best.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2024
The Whitsundays definitely showed their teeth during the 2024 regatta. Working the bow on a Hanse 430E, I spent the week wrestling with 30-knot gusts and complex island tides. It was all about staying one step ahead of the next sail change while navigating the narrow, choppy channels that define racing in this part of the world.
Hot Chipps
Club racing on Port Phillip Bay provided the perfect introduction to the Dehler 46 platform. Spending time on this versatile yacht was great preparation for a later coastal delivery, offering hands-on experience with its systems and deck layout. Assisting with a new mainsail setup also gave me a more technical look at the boat’s performance beyond just pulling ropes during a race.
Arcadia
Sailing on this Archambault 40RC across club and ORCV races has been a masterclass in team efficiency. PJ and the crew operate with a calm, quiet precision that makes even complex sail changes look routine. It’s a great environment to observe how a cohesive team relies on clear roles and consistent repetition rather than noise to maintain performance under pressure.
It’s not just sailing
Racing the Dufour 40 near the Yarra River mouth keeps us on our toes. Beyond the technical challenges of Port Phillip Bay, sailing with Peter’s team highlights the social side of the sport. Post-race drinks in the galley are as vital as the racing, cementing the camaraderie that makes club sailing worthwhile.