The Kingfisher Night Series
Four races on Moreton Bay providing sailors with valuable experience racing, navigating and operating safely after dark.
Visit the series page for entries, race documents, presentation details and the latest updates for 2026–27.
Night Racing on Moreton Bay
The Kingfisher Night Series is a long-standing yacht racing series held on Moreton Bay, Queensland, 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 seeking 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.
Night Race 1
Saturday 24 October 2026QCYC Start / Finish Boat
Night Race 2
Saturday 21 November 2026MCC Start / Finish Boat
Night Race 3
Saturday 20 February 2027MBBC Start / Finish Boat
Night Race 4
Saturday 20 March 2027WMYC Start / Finish Boat
History
The series was initiated by members of Queensland Cruising Yacht Club at Shorncliffe, Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at Manly, Wynnum Manly Yacht Club and Moreton Bay Boat Club at Scarborough.
These 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.
Purpose
The Kingfisher Night Series gives crews the opportunity to develop practical skills that are difficult to gain during normal daytime club racing.
- Build night sailing proficiency.
- Promote safe sailing and marine radio communication.
- 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
Night 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, giving crews valuable experience operating for extended periods in darkness and low-light conditions.
Designed for Real Night Sailing
The series provides practical experience with night navigation, marine radio procedures, shipping traffic and the changing conditions encountered on Moreton Bay after dark.
Proudly Supported by Kingfisher Bay Resort
The series has been proudly supported by Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari since its inception.
QCYC gratefully acknowledges this long-standing support of Moreton Bay sailing and the Kingfisher Night Series.
