Entries open for the 2019 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

Winner of the 2018 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, Bruce Taylor's Chutzpah showing that they may be small but shouldn't be discounted © ROLEX / Studio Borlenghi

Entries are now open for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's 2019 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, with the newly-released Notice of Race (NOR) encouraging sailors from around the country to join the 34th running of the 'Great Winter Escape'.

Earlier this year Sean Langman's diversified shipyard business at McMahons Point, Noakes Group, extended their support of the CYCA and the race north by committing to be the naming rights partner for another three years.

"The Sydney Gold Coast has always been my favourite ocean race. It's close to shore, a good distance, tactical and heads to a great destination, plus it always finishes around my dad's birthday so there are sentimental reasons as well," says Langman.

Each year the 384-nautical-mile northern escapade marks the start of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore Series, widely regarded as the pinnacle of ocean racing in this country, and enjoys great participation from both local competitors and interstate rivals.

"There's a wonderful synergy between Audi Centre Sydney and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and we're thrilled to be involved with the Club and Australia's best blue water ocean racing series," says Audi Centre Sydney Dealer Principal Steve Cloete.

The CYCA are looking forward to welcoming between 60 and 70 yachts to the starting line. Many of the country's 100 foot grand-prix super maxis are expected to return to mix it in a 'David and Goliath' battle with many of the smaller yachts such as 2018 Overall Winner, Bruce Taylor's Chutzpah and Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore Series Winner Matt Allen's Ichi Ban.

"The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is a great opener to the ocean racing season," says CYCA Sailing Manager Justine Kirkjian.

"With many yachts having time off after the Rolex Sydney Hobart, this will be the first time they all match up to see how any modifications have changed their performance and how they stack up against the competition.

"It is a race which is open to be won by yachts of any size and experience. At this time of year, the North Coast of New South Wales can experience a vast array of weather conditions which proves a challenge for all navigators."

This year's race will once again see the spectators brought up close to all the action. A live stream of the race start with world-class commentary will combine with both on-water and aerial cameras broadcast to the official race website and social media outlets.

The Yacht Tracker will allow spectators to follow each-and-every yacht giving viewers a personal connection to the crews 24 hours a day until they reach the finish line off Main Beach at Queensland's Gold Coast.

The Notice of Race and online entry are now available through the 'For Competitors' tab on the official website.

Entries close 1700 hours 5 July 2019.