Ahoy, and welcome to the Marlay Point Overnight Race website! We’re thrilled to have you here, where you can dive into a treasure trove of information from past races that capture the excitement and camaraderie of this beloved event. Set against the stunning backdrop of the stunning Gippsland Lakes, our next race will sail into action during the long weekend in March, and we can’t wait to share all the juicy details with you soon! Remember, entries will open on January 1st, so keep your eyes on the horizon and your sails trimmed—this is one adventure you won’t want to miss! Get ready to chart your course for an unforgettable night on the water!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Marlay Point Overnight Race has been running on the Gippsland Lakes since 1969. It is the only overnight race for trailer sailors in Australia and has earned the reputation as the Sydney-Hobart for smaller yachts.
Previously hosted by the Lake Wellington Yacht Club (LWYC), this iconic race that runs on the Victorian Labour Day in March every year is now hosted by Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC) under the guidance of LWYC. Starting at sunset, competitors sail across Lake Wellington, through the McLennan Straits into Lake Victoria for the run home to Paynesville.
Regarded as Australia’s premier race for trailable yachts and multi-hulls, about 4000 boats and 11,000 sailors have been involved over the past 50 years, making the Overnight Race a must-do on every trailer sailors bucket list.
In 2018, the CH Robinson Marlay Point Overnight Race celebrated its 50th anniversary. An achievement of which the small club (LWYC) is very proud. More than 200 yachts, 600 crews, families, and supporters from all over Australia, plus hundreds of spectators, converged on Marlay Point, 22km from Sale on Lake Wellington, for another spectacular sunset start.