2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race: Don't stop me now
by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 9 Jul 2025 02:52 PDT
26 July 2025
Cole Brauer and Elizabeth Tucker (right) arrive in Sydney Harbour © Elizabeth Tucker
Elizabeth Tucker had barely stepped on board a yacht before 2021. Fast forward four years to 2025 and the English-born, Sydney-based sailor has sailed her Class40 yacht, First Light, from Spain to Australia with the intention of competing in the 2027/28 Global Solo Challenge (GSC) - a 'budget-friendly' around-the-world race.
Tucker was joined by Cole Brauer for the 74 day journey to Australia. Brauer is the former owner of First Light and world-record holder for the fastest solo, nonstop circumnavigation in a Class40 yacht.
Tucker has plenty of offshore races on the horizon ahead of the GSC. She has put together an all-women team to compete on board First Light in the 80th anniversary of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in December. She has also entered First Light in the 384nm Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, which kicks off on Saturday 26 July.
Prior to First Light's entry in the upcoming Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, CYCA Media caught up with Tucker to find out how her Rolex Sydney Hobart campaign is tracking.
Q&A with Elizabeth Tucker
You are competing in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with an all-women crew. How's it been going so far?
This is where my true passion lies. I'm so excited to be training women alongside me on First Light and building a strong, capable team for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart.
The squad has been selected, and we're now into training. Their enthusiasm and energy has been incredible. There's such a strong mix of courage, curiosity, and drive. We're learning fast, pushing limits, and forming something special together. Watching these women grow in confidence and skill and fall in love with ocean sailing the way I have is the most rewarding part. It's early days, but I already know this will be one of the highlights of my entire campaign.
What are you most looking forward to?
Watching the transformation. These women didn't come in with assigned roles, everyone is learning the whole boat, every system, every sail change. It's full immersion. I can't wait to see them step into the race with confidence, knowing they've earned their place through hard work and teamwork. Seeing them helm, trim, repair, and problem-solve as a tight-knit crew - that's what I'm most looking forward to. That, and sharing the joy of sailing into Hobart together.
Why is it important to have an all-women crew?
Because offshore racing is still very male-dominated, and experience is everything. This program gives women real opportunities to gain skills, sea miles, and belief that they absolutely belong out there.
You first competed in the Rolex Sydney Hobart in 2021 on board the beautiful Swan 65 Eve. That's a bit of a transition from a comfortable 65-footer to your Class40 First Light?
Massive transition! Both boats are made for the ocean and stronger than most of the fleet - but they're completely different animals.
Eve is a shire horse: strong, steady, and incredibly comfortable. First Light is a racehorse - fast, lean, and high-strung. She's dry down below (thankfully!), but the setup is stripped-back and much more physical. You feel everything. She keeps you on your toes, and I love that about her.
What does your training look like post-Sydney Hobart, ahead of the 2027/28 GSC race start in Spain?
The focus shifts to solo sailing after the Hobart. I'll be doing qualifying passages, solo races, and targeted training blocks covering things like electronics, rigging, sleep management, and heavy weather. There's also a lot of boat work - refits, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. It's a mix of seamanship, systems, and sheer miles. Every hour on the water counts.
You grew up in England but have been living in Australia for some time now?
Yes — I grew up in a pub in Buckinghamshire and moved to Sydney 17 years ago. England raised me, Australia gave me a new life, and the ocean is where I've really found myself.
CYCA's Season Opener
For the first time, the start of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race will also mark the CYCA's inaugural Season Opener — a new event designed to launch the offshore sailing season in style.
Open to Members, guests and all sailing and sports enthusiasts, the day features a spectator boat experience aboard Eclipse with live race commentary by around the world sailor Jack Macartney, followed by an afterparty back at the Club with live music, food activations and a vibrant atmosphere to celebrate the start of the season.
Ticket information can be found here.
For more information visit event website: goldcoast.cycaracing.com.