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.
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