The 2026 Marlay Point Overnight Race was held successfully over the weekend, attracting 114 entrants from Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory,
and South Australia.
Five boats withdrew prior to the start, but all others completed the course, highlighting favourable conditions and strong seamanship among competitors.
The line honours were claimed by division “D” craft, the Mornington-based Daddy Cool, sailed by Stuart Schafer, finishing
in five hours and 31 minutes. The final boat, FL78 sailed by David Marrable, crossed the line at 9.26am on Sunday.
For the first time, spectators could follow the fleet through live
tracking on the SailPro app, allowing family, supporters, and
sailing enthusiasts to monitor
progress in real time, adding an exciting new dimension for those watching from home or around the Gippsland Lakes.
Division line honours winners were Pathfinder (A), Possum (B), The Other Woman (C), and The Stig (M). Handicap winners were This Way Up (A), Pippen (B), Broken Blade (C), Daddy Cool (D), and
Sol Man (M).
Four all-female teams competed, up from three in 2025. Swallow, skippered by Sue Burke from Hobson Bay Yacht Club, secured back-to-back victories in the category, while Marg Goddard, skipper of the fourth all-female crew, received the Oldest Sailor Prize.
The event continued to showcase family and youth involvement, with 14 junior sailors under 18 participating and 68 female sailors across the fleet. Twenty-six boats competed in the short-handed category (two persons on board). Organising clubs were strongly represented, with 15 boats from Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club and seven from Lake Wellington Yacht Club.
The Hartley 16 class maintained its remarkable tradition, having competed in every Marlay Point race since the inaugural event in 1969. The Gippsland Lakes
Yacht Club was at capacity for Sunday’s presentation ceremony, bringing together competitors, supporters, and volunteers to celebrate another successful Marlay Point Overnight Race.
Yacht Race. (PS)
