GCCM badges new Gold Coast race

Australia’s newest race has a magnificent start location, setting sail from the ocean waters of Surfers Paradise, and plenty of on-water and onshore viewing opportunities. Southport Yacht Club, the race organiser, has launched the 520nm race as the perfect follow-on from Noakes Sydney to Gold Coast Race.
GCCM chief operating officer, Andrew Chapman, says supporting sailing and race boats is a vital part of the shipyard’s busy business operations. “As a group of boaties supporting boaties, GCCM and our marine trade partners have been servicing and rigging sailing boats in the Gold Coast for more than 20 years,” he notes, “and we’ve been increasing our collaboration with race competitors and boat builders as a specific strategy as I share the passion for sailing.”
“We are the proud sponsors of Southport Yacht Club members, such as Xavier Doerr who attempted to circumnavigate Australia last year. We sail weekly in GCCM Arctic Blonde, a Hick 39 performance sailing yacht based in Southport, and have enjoyed supporting Grant Wharington in the transformation of his super maxi for Sydney to Hobart at GCCM,” Chapman adds.
All vessel owners registering in the new race receive 20% off their stay at GCCM, including berth, lift, water blast, environment and hardstand fees.
Southport Yacht Club vice commodore of sail, Glenn Burrell, welcomed GCCM’s support and recognition of the importance of establishing this new ocean race for Queensland. “We are delighted to increase our collaboration and work with GCCM with so many racing yachts able to enjoy the peace of mind that GCCM offers for any refit and repair work to their prize racing yachts,” he says. “This exciting new partnership will not just give rise to a very exciting blue water ocean race for Australia but provide excellent refit and repair opportunities for our competing sailors.”