Ocean X

06/06/2026

The 2026 OceanX Bad News Regatta at Currumbin is well underway, with Day One delivering three races in absolutely superb, but still testing, conditions.

The swell picked up to a reasonable surf across the bar, but the Hobie Cats had no trouble getting out. For the power boats, it was the deepest we’ve seen the Currumbin bar in a long time.

The breeze started around 15 knots, built to about 17 knots midway through Race One, then consistently backed off from there. We had 14 Hobie 16s, 8 Hobie 14s, and one Arrow catamaran joining the mix.

Disaster struck early for the world championship team of Cam and Suze, who had flown in from Perth. A broken bridle before the first start brought their rig down and forced them to be towed back to shore, leaving them with zero points for the day and no chance to repair in time to rejoin racing.

Peter Bates came out like an absolute rocket, taking two bullets in Race One and Race Two. But the wheels fell off in Race Three when a nasty shift shortly after the start pushed him back into the middle order. The father-daughter Butler team then stormed home to take the final race by a measured mile.

The Hobie 14s had a tougher day, especially as conditions softened, and at this stage the Bad News title for the 14s is still wide open.

It was fantastic to have an Arrow catamaran on the course, and even better to watch lone Arrow sailor Josh steadily improve each race as he found his feet and worked his way up the field.

Similar conditions are expected tomorrow, although we’re also expecting a few dusty sailors with sore heads after tonight’s celebrations at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club, where we’ll be marking a number of 60th birthdays for our 1966-born sailors.

Another spectacular day done and dusted.

Tomorrow’s racing is going to be a challenge.
Gold Coast Catamaran Club
First Mate
Cleanaworx Boating & RV Care
Yacht Delivery Solutions Ltd - Oceania
Sunstate Hobie

05/06/2026

The FD Series is our absolute favourite model of boat on the market today for offshore, long-range luxury expeditions.

I’ve done over a million offshore miles in my career, and my first FD delivery was a complete game changer for me. I honestly didn’t know it was possible to build a hull capable of doing what the FD does without breaking the laws of physics.

I’m not talking about a semi-displacement hull — I’ve driven hundreds of them. Planing hulls, I’ve driven thousands. Displacement hulls, I’ve driven more again.

But a shallow-draft, maximum-volume boat that combines the best characteristics of a displacement hull, without the draft, and carries a wave-piercing bow that separates the sea at 20 knots, while still being equally happy and comfortable heading straight into five-metre waves with six seconds of separation?

That’s next level.

That’s the helicopter on top of the penthouse.

04/06/2026

A massive shout out to Yacht Delivery Solutions and Captain Nik for jumping aboard and becoming a primary sponsor of the 2026 Bad News Regatta.

Yacht Delivery Solutions aren't our competitors — they're our peers, our equals, and professionals we hold in the highest regard.

When OceanX reached out looking for support to help keep this fantastic grassroots sailing regatta alive and thriving, Nik didn't hesitate for a second. There were no questions, no conditions, no delays. He simply put his hand up and asked, "What do you need?"

That is what supporting sailing looks like.

That is what supporting your community looks like.

The Bad News Regatta has always been about bringing sailors together, sharing good times on the water, and keeping grassroots sailing strong. It only happens because good people and good businesses step forward and help make it happen.

So please do us a favour. Give Yacht Delivery Solutions a follow, give them a shout out, and support the businesses that support our sailing community.

And if you ever need a sailing yacht delivered anywhere in the world, know that Yacht Delivery Solutions come with our highest recommendation and complete respect.

Fair winds, gentlemen. We look forward to seeing you on the water.
Yacht Delivery Solutions Ltd - Oceania

🌊⛵

Yacht Delivery Solutions:

Professional yacht delivery services across Australia. Experienced delivery skippers managing complex offshore passages in sail and motor yachts.

04/06/2026

Mark is a pretty incredible bloke.

He has worked professionally in just about every aspect of the industry throughout his life, only moving on once he had mastered the role. It's actually incredibly rare to work with someone at the top who genuinely understands the intricacies of every part of what we do — from the divers cleaning our hulls, to the engineers balancing our props, right through to the fuel truck drivers filling our tanks.

I've lost count of the number of times I've called Mark for advice, guidance or simply a different perspective on a problem.

Some people have their Bible. I've got MW on speed dial.

I'd never tell him that to his face, of course. Face-to-face I'll find something to tease him about. But the truth is, he's our rock. He's an incredible resource, a genuinely good bloke, and someone who still answers the phone at 3am when we're halfway across an ocean trying to solve a problem, despite the delivery not even being a Horizon.

The depth of experience he brings makes our job easier, our decisions better, and our operations stronger.

It's pretty awesome to be part of the Horizon family.

Meet Mark Western, Company Director of Horizon Yacht Australia 🇦🇺

Having personally managed over 100 new custom Horizon Yacht builds, Mark brings an exceptional depth of experience and insight to every client journey, making the most experienced Horizon specialists in the region.

With extensive experience in the marine industry and a passion for delivering exceptional boating experiences, Mark plays a key role in leading the strategic direction and continued growth of Horizon Yacht Australia. His expertise spans new bespoke vessel builds, premium brokerage sales, and guiding clients through every stage of yacht ownership.

Mark works closely with owners to bring custom yacht projects to life, overseeing tailored build solutions that reflect each client’s unique vision and lifestyle. He also leads Horizon Yacht Australia’s premium brokerage division, helping buyers and sellers achieve outstanding results through market knowledge, industry connections, and a commitment to excellence.

His dedication to innovation, quality, and client service continues to strengthen Horizon Yacht Australia’s reputation as a trusted leader in luxury yachting throughout Australia and New Zealand.

03/06/2026

Preparations are well underway for this weekends 2026 Bad News Regatta at Currumbin, with excitement building for another fantastic weekend of sailing, competition, and camaraderie.
The Gold Coast Catamaran Club will once again host the iconic Bad News Regatta, proudly sponsored by OceanX Offshore Deliveries, Sunstate Hobie, First Mate app based vessel management and CleanAWORX, the leading producer of marine cleaning products.
Captain Midnight is fortunate enough to be returning as Race Officer for the event, helping oversee the racing and ensure competitors enjoy a safe and fair regatta on the waters off Currumbin.
Meanwhile, Steve "Nugget" Nugent will be making his return for his second Bad News Regatta, taking charge of the rescue boat operations and ensuring the mechanical side of the regatta runs smoothly. With Nugget's extensive marine engineering experience and practical know-how, competitors can rest easy knowing there is plenty of expertise on hand should it be needed.
The Bad News Regatta has become a highlight on the Gold Coast Catamaran Club calendar, bringing together sailors from across the region for a weekend of competitive racing, plenty of laughs, and the unique atmosphere that has made the event so popular over the years.
OceanX is proud to support grassroots sailing and community events like the Bad News Regatta, helping keep local sailing strong and ensuring these traditions continue for future generations.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the beach, on the water, and hopefully enjoying a cold drink together once the racing is done. Fair winds and see you at Currumbin. ⛵🍻
Cleanaworx Boating & RV Care
First Mate
Sunstate Hobie
Mason Nugwood
Gold Coast Catamaran Club

31/05/2026

The long journey home has begun. 3 flights and 10 hours later ill be sipping a cold beer while sitting on my couch.

31/05/2026

Well, Captain Midnight has just wrapped up another fantastic week of barra fishing at the Batman Invitational aboard the Iron Lady, fishing the pristine waters of East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Despite catching an incredible number of barra throughout the week, the records remained intact this year and nobody managed to topple the benchmark fish. That said, the trip wasn't without its highlights.
I was presented with my trophy for last year's biggest barra, a catch that saw me join the Metery Club not once, but twice. The first fish measured exactly 100 centimetres, while the second stretched the tape to an impressive 117 centimetres and holds the record for biggest barra in the comps history.
As always, the fishing was only part of the experience. It was fantastic to catch up with the crew aboard the Iron Lady and spend another week sharing stories, laughs and good company with a great group of fellow anglers. Events like this are something special, and I'm very grateful to have been involved for the last few years.
The fish may have won this year's battle for the record books, but they certainly didn't stop us from having another memorable week in one of Australia's most spectacular fishing destinations.
— Captain Midnight
Aka the Barra Buddha