MRQ Mackay members have been recognised for an outstanding rescue effort during the Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race 2026, with the crew of Mackay 11 receiving the 2026 Harbour Master Award.
At the conclusion of the race, Craig Longmuir, Regional Harbour Master Mackay, presented the award to Skipper Peter Mackedie and crew members Ian Slattery, Mark Senyard, Ross Schulte and Thomas Clancy for their exceptional seamanship, teamwork and determination in bringing the yacht KERB and its crew safely into Mackay Harbour.
The rescue became one of the Mackay unit’s longest activations, lasting 17 hours after the crew was called out at around 9:30am when KERB lost its rudder in challenging offshore conditions.
With seas of 2.5 to 3 metres, Skipper Peter described the activation as challenging but not unsafe.
“We worked through several towing options, trying different attachment points to secure the yacht.
“At one stage, we removed the bar on the bow of the yacht to improve the connection, but the conditions continued to make the tow unstable.
“The yacht was very slippery and was racing down the waves behind us,” Skipper Peter Mackedie said.
The crew also attempted to act as the yacht’s rudder from behind, but when the tow rope became caught, they had to reassess once again. In a moment that showed both adaptability and trust between crews, the yacht’s skipper suggested towing the vessel backwards.
It was an unusual solution — but it worked
From there, MRQ Mackay successfully towed KERB stern-first at around 6 knots all the way back to the unit, safely completing a rescue that will be remembered for years to come.
For Peter, it was a rescue unlike any other.
“It’s one for the memory bank — I’ve never towed a vessel backwards before, but it was definitely the safest option” he said.
Recognition through the Harbour Master Award highlights not only the skill and perseverance of the crew, but also the professionalism MRQ volunteers bring to every activation, especially in “outrageous sea conditions” as described by Harbour Master Craig Longmuir.
Congratulations to Peter, Ian, Mark, Ross and Thomas on this well-deserved recognition and on representing MRQ Mackay with distinction.
HARBOUR MASTER AWARD:
Craig Longmuir – Regional Harbour Master Mackay awarded the Harbour Master Award for 2026 to the crew of Marine Rescue Vessel 10 ; Mr Peter Mackedie Skipper, Crew Members Ian Slattery, Mark Senyard, Ross Schulte and Thomas Clancy. These amazing heros endured 17 hours of outrageous sea conditions assisting KERB and its crew to bring them to safety into Mackay Harbour.
For more information, visit www.mrq.qld.gov.au
