The Kingfisher Bay Resort Night Series 2026 – 2027
Enter Here: SailSys Entry - Kingfisher Bay Resort Night Race
Notice of Race & Sailing Instructions: Kingfisher NoR SI 2026-27 v1.0
Night Racing on Moreton Bay
The Kingfisher Night Series is a long-standing yacht racing series held on Moreton Bay, with a unique focus on night sailing.
Established in 1989 by experienced sailors from several Moreton Bay yacht clubs, the series provides structured night-racing opportunities for skippers and crews to build experience in variable weather, darkness and the navigational conditions of Moreton Bay.
2026–2027 Race Schedule
The 2026–27 Kingfisher Bay Resort Night Series consists of four races between October 2026 and March 2027.
| Race | Date | Start / Finish Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Night Race 1 | Saturday 24 October 2026 | QCYC |
| Night Race 2 | Saturday 21 November 2026 | MCC |
| Night Race 3 | Saturday 20 February 2027 | MBBC |
| Night Race 4 | Saturday 20 March 2027 | WMYC |
Purpose of the Series
The Kingfisher Night Series gives crews an opportunity to develop practical skills that can be difficult to gain during normal daytime club racing.
- Build night sailing proficiency.
- Develop safe night navigation practices.
- Practise marine radio procedures and communications.
- Gain experience navigating shipping channels and interacting with commercial traffic.
- Prepare crews for offshore events such as the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
Race Format
Races start at 1500 hours in the vicinity of the Mud Island West Cardinal Beacon.
The afternoon start means much of the fleet remains on the course after sunset, providing crews with practical experience operating for extended periods in darkness and low-light conditions.
Real-world night sailing experience
Crews gain practical experience with:
- Night navigation and identifying navigation marks.
- Marine radio procedures.
- Commercial and shipping traffic.
- Changing wind and weather conditions.
- Crew coordination and watchkeeping after dark.
History
The series was initiated in 1989 by members of:
- Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, Shorncliffe
- Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Manly
- Wynnum Manly Yacht Club
- Moreton Bay Boat Club, Scarborough
The clubs recognised the value of a dedicated night racing series that could provide sailors with practical experience navigating Moreton Bay after dark while promoting safe sailing practices.
Series Presentations
Date: TBC
Venue: TBC
Further presentation details will be advised closer to the event.
Files available for download
Sponsors
