The race was launched in 2007 and the inaugural event finished at Great Keppel Island. However this finish line would be short lived with the island closing for major reconstruction and the difficulty in anchoring boats in the shallows around the island.
In 2008 RQYS approached Keppel Bay Marina to arrange a potential finish outside the harbour break wall with yachts berthing in their marina. The Keppel Bay Marina is now an integral part of the team. The 2008 race was a huge success and yachts were much more comfortable berthing at the finish rather than anchoring.
Due to the success of the race in 2008 it was decided that Keppel Bay Marina would become the permanent finishing destination and as the years have passed, solid relationships have been made with the locals including Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Capricorn Cruising Yacht Club and Yeppoon Coast Guard.
In 2011 the race attracted high performance yachts Wild Oats XI (Reichel Pugh 100′ Maxi) and Lahana (98′ Maxi). With these key entries, the race is set to become one of the biggest offshore races on the east coast of Australia.
The Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is part of Tourism Queensland's Season of Sailing.
Number of entrants: 2011
35
2010 35
2009 28
2008 25
2007 17