The wait is almost over, with The Yacht Sales Co Sail Paradise 2026 set to bring three days of championship yacht racing to the Gold Coast from 3–5 October.
Hosted by Southport Yacht Club over the King’s Birthday long weekend, this year’s regatta steps onto the national stage, incorporating the 2026 Australian Yachting Championships and bringing Australian Championship titles to Gold Coast waters.
With competitors arriving and final preparations underway, an exciting fleet is assembling for what is set to be a highly competitive weekend of racing against one of Australia’s most recognisable coastal backdrops.
A major feature of this year’s event will be the Cape 31 fleet, bringing fast, close and highly competitive racing to Sail Paradise alongside an impressive line-up of yachts contesting the wider regatta.
The calibre of sailors joining the event is equally impressive, with experienced Australian and international competitors preparing to take to the water across the long weekend.
THE WEEKEND STARTS ON SHORE
Before racing begins, competitors and crews will come together on Friday 2 October for the TREX Welcome Party at Southport Yacht Club.
From 6:00pm at the Main Bar and Main Deck, the evening will officially welcome the Sail Paradise fleet to the Gold Coast ahead of the opening day of racing.
All Sail Paradise competitors and crew are invited, with canapés and drinks on the Commodore as the fleet comes together before attention turns to the water.
CHAMPIONSHIP RACING FROM SATURDAY
The first racing gets underway on Saturday 3 October, beginning three days of competition before the regatta concludes on Monday 5 October.
With the Australian Yachting Championships incorporated into this year’s Sail Paradise, national titles will be on the line as crews battle across multiple divisions.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Sail Paradise had established itself as an important part of the city’s sporting calendar.
“The Gold Coast is forging a reputation for hosting the best sports events and festivals in Australia. The Sail Paradise regatta fits the bill perfectly,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“This regatta is now the premier sailing event for our city and I applaud Southport Yacht Club and everyone behind the Yacht Sales Co Sail Paradise for their commitment to the sport.”
With the fleet arriving, crews preparing and championship titles waiting to be decided, Sail Paradise 2026 is ready to get underway.
Follow Sail Paradise throughout the weekend for race updates, results, photography and all the action from on and off the water.
