Gippsland lakes Yacht Club conducts the iconic Marlay Point Overnight Race, Australia’s premier race for trailerable yachts, on the Labour Day long weekend each year in March. The race boasts a proud history, commencing in 1969 after a discussion amongst club members about the merits of a long distance night time race. The first race with only about twenty starters captured the imagination of the
yachting fraternity throughout Australia and even overseas. The halcyon days of the high rolling eighties saw the largest ever entry of 657 yachts in 1986 making it at that time arguably the largest yacht race in the world. Changing economic times saw a gradual decline in entries with numbers over the last few years averaging around 150, with the 40th anniversary race in 2008 drawing over 200 entries. This, however, has not dampened the magic of the event with its unique courses and wide appeal to beginners and experts alike. Gippsland lakes Yacht Club and Lake Wellington yacht club has established an enviable reputation as running a professional and safe event with a large fleet of support craft from the Paynesville Coastguard. The event is a boom to local businesses and is a genuine community effort with many Gippsland organisations assisting this tiny country yacht club to run a major event on the Australian yachting calendar. This year, 150+ yachts, families and supporters from all over Australia, plus hundreds of spectators, are again expected to converge on Marlay Point, 22k from Sale on Lake Wellington in Gippsland, for the spectacular start. As usual, there will be plenty of all night partying at various vantage points along the Straits where the boats pass within metres of the banks. The race has been a proving ground for new yachts, with top Victorian and interstate crews vying for victory in a very competitive market. Some of yachting’s biggest names including John Bertrand and other Olympians have competed successfully in the race. All competitors successfully completing the course will receive a much sought after bronze medallion that has become a collector’s item over the years. Full catering is available from Saturday lunchtime till Saturday night with a welcome party for competitors on at the clubhouse on the Friday night.
