The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has announced a partnership with Virtual Regatta to create a dedicated digital race for the 2026 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. This will be the first time the 384-nautical-mile race, the second most prestigious on the CYCA’s calendar after the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, is featured in the Virtual Regatta game.
Starting on 25 July 2026, Virtual Regatta’s community of over three million players will be able to download the race course and compete alongside the actual fleet as it sails from Sydney to the Gold Coast, navigating in real-time conditions.
Virtual Regatta hosts more than 50 official events annually, enabling e-sailors to race alongside professional fleets in major sailing contests such as the Vendée Globe, the Route du Rhum, and the Transat Jacques Vabre.
Tom Gauthier, Deputy CEO of Virtual Regatta, expressed pride in adding the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast to their offerings, stating it strengthens their appeal to both Australian and international sailing fans. “Our players line up on the same start line as the real fleet and race the same course in real-time, which is the closest thing to being on board. We can’t wait to see them take on the run up the coast this July,” he said.
CYCA Chief Executive Officer Justine Kirkjian noted that the partnership builds on a proven relationship and provides fans with another way to engage with the race, regardless of their location. “The opportunity to add the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race to the partnership is exciting,” she stated.
In addition to the game, there will be a live stream of the race start on CYCA TV via YouTube, allowing the global community to follow the event closely.
Go to the Virtual Regatta page, here.
The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race begins at 1300hrs (AEST) on 25 July 2026 and is organised by the CYCA with the collaboration of the Finish Partner, Southport Yacht Club.
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