North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club

⛵ Daniel Family Trophy – Stern Chaser

A great day on the water for the Daniel Family Trophy, kindly sponsored by Pete and Chris Daniel, with thanks also to LJ Ho**er for sponsoring the always-popular rum bucket.

The Daniel Family Trophy is a little different from our usual racing. As a stern chaser, the slower yachts are sent off first, with the faster boats starting progressively later based on their handicaps. Get the start times right and, in theory at least, everyone should come together at the finish. And today, they certainly did!

Handicapper Bryan had a busy day working out the staggered start times, while Kath had the equally entertaining job of calling each start over the radio and then recording the fleet as they came home in quick succession. With the finish looking increasingly close, she sent Bryan outside with the camera, just in case photographic evidence was needed to separate them.

With winds ranging from 10 to 20 knots and a big incoming tide, crews enjoyed relatively calm conditions inside the bay before things became a little more lively out the front as they made their way around Stone Island.

After all those staggered starts, the race delivered exactly the finish a stern chaser is designed for. Capricorn Dancer claimed line honours, crossing the line just 2 seconds ahead of Sea Change, with Ruthless only another 7 seconds behind. Three yachts separated by just nine seconds!

Things were almost as tight once the handicaps were applied. Frequent Flyer took the win, just 12 seconds ahead of Ruthless in second, with Capricorn Dancer another 12 seconds back in third.

Congratulations to all the crews, and particularly to Bryan for getting those start times remarkably right. When three boats arrive within nine seconds after being sent off at different times, the handicapper is allowed to look rather pleased with himself.

Next weekend we'll enjoy a twilight sail before another busy weekend of racing, with the Lady Skippers Race on 8 August followed by the Bowen Tyre and Mechanical Race on 9 August. ⛵

The results were:
Line Honours: Capricorn Dancer
1st Frequent Flyer
2nd Ruthless
3rd Capricorn Dancer
4th Sea Change
5th Katana

Yesterday's twilight race was sponsored by Bowen Boat Shed. Katana got a good head start and managed to hold off the rest of the fleet in 15-20 knots of breeze. It was nice to see 6 yachts competing yesterday.

Last Saturday's twilight was sponsored by Farmhouse Upholstery. Sea Change was unbeatable and finished before Capricorn Dancer, Katana and Pronto.

Yesterday's twilight results:
1st: Katana
2nd: Frequent Flyer
3rd: Ruthless
4th: Capricorn Dancer
5th: Sea Change
DNF: Pronto

Another fantastic C**k o' Gloucester weekend is in the books!

A huge thank you to our major sponsor Lowcock Builders for your continued support, and to Cape Gloucester Resort for your wonderful hospitality.

Ten yachts took to the start line for the 2026 C**k o' Gloucester in near-perfect sailing conditions. The western side of Gloucester Island delivered its usual mix of gusts and frustrating calm patches, but most crews negotiated it without too much trouble. The northern and eastern sides provided much calmer seas than what we are used to, making for a great day's racing.

Visiting yacht Treasure VIII from Airlie Beach claimed line honours ahead of Delta Lady, but there could only be one handicap winner. Congratulations to Sea Change, who sailed an outstanding race to earn the right to pet the famous chicken and wear the coveted hat!

Off the water, Leon Mitchell kept everyone entertained with his games and stories, while Matt Duffy had the dance floor buzzing well into the evening.

Unfortunately, today's return race to Bowen was started but later abandoned after the breeze completely disappeared. The glassed-out conditions gave crews the perfect opportunity to enjoy sightings of dolphins and whales along the way.

A big thank you to TJ, Bryan, and everyone who helped organise another memorable C**k o' Gloucester weekend. And thank you to the crews of the two Airlie Beach yachts and eight Bowen yachts for making it such a great event. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

The results were:
1st: Sea Change
2nd: Ruthless
3rd: Symbiosis
4th: Capricorn Dancer
5th: Frequent Flyer
6th: Delta Lady
7th: Treasure VIII
8th: Katana
9th: Panacea
10th: Pronto

North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, Zara Bailey, Daphne Bullemor, Mark Steen, Paul Samuel,

Gloucester Island looking magnificent in the sunrise ahead of this weekend's C**k of Gloucester. Fair winds to everyone making the trip across! ⛵

Hello Members and Friends. If you are planning to visit the Club please bring CASH.The Eftpos is Down/ TELSTRA OUTAGE.Thanks for your consideration.

A big thank you to Reefside Marine for sponsoring Saturday's Twilight Race.

It was a great afternoon on the water, with Pronto putting in an impressive performance. Starting last on handicap, they sailed through the fleet to take the win. Sea Change finished second, followed by Katana in third and Capricorn Dancer in fourth.

Congratulations to all competitors, and we look forward to seeing everyone over at the C**k of Gloucester this weekend!

This week’s Special
Miso honey glazed Salmon fillet with local tomatoes, Broccolini & jasmine rice.

FINAL REMINDER!
There are still a few tickets available for the Business Breakfast tomorrow, hosted by Bowen Collinsville Enterprise - BCE.
*Euro Fusion Café, North Qld Cruising Yacht Club, Bowen
*$30 per person (includes breakfast and presentations)
*Friday, July 3, 6.30am-8.30am
You will hear from:
Murray Bay Project – Skyring CEO
Sunwater Projects – Regional Manager
Artificial Intelligence in Schools – Bowen State High School - Principal
Agave Farm & Blue Sky Drinks – Executive Chairman
Whether you're a business owner, community member, industry professional, educator, or simply interested in Bowen's future, this event offers valuable insights into the projects shaping our region.
Go to Whitsunday Tickets to book.