Magnetic Island Race Week 2012

For a quarter of a century, two iconic Queensland yachting events Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week, have attracted hundreds of boats from the southern states each August, but very few had ever ventured further north.

But now that has changed. Just six years ago, Townsville Yacht Club with the support of Townsville-based Sunferries, now SeaLink, Queensland staged the first Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week, with support from Events Queensland and Townsville City Council.

As the post-regatta southbound delivery crews have discovered, if they leave straight after Hamilton Island the south-easterly trades can make it a hard sail back down the coast.

Some leave their boats and come back a few weeks later when the trade winds have turned, but there is another northern adventure option -- SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, which this year runs from August 30 to September 4 on the sheltered waters around Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island.

Keen Magnetic Island Race Week race supporter Bob Robertson, the Commodore of Mooloolaba Yacht Club explains: "Spending more time on the Far North Queensland coast before heading south gives the breeze the time to turn. Heading to Magnetic Island just makes good sense. This event is a natural. Perfect timing, great venue."

Kiama NSW skipper Colin Wilson is planning to take his Lyons 49 Never a Dull Moment north for the fifth time this year.

"Magnetic Island has brought the fun back to regattas. You can be on the start line 20 minutes after putting down your coffee cup. It’s a fantastic venue, welcoming, relaxing and very enjoyable and with all the accommodation options -- you get a lot more regatta for your buck!"

SeaLink and the Townsville Yacht Club have worked to make sure the Magnetic Island regatta is old-fashioned affordable fun. It’s sailed out of a well-laid-out marina; it has a great social program, experienced regatta management, friendly locals, plenty of accommodation options and a stunning island, close to a major regional city with good air connections.

Regatta Director Denis Thompson, who has been heading up the on-water management team since the inaugural regatta, said: “This is a very enjoyable regatta at every level. The course area starts just outside the marina and it’s a very picturesque sailing area. It’s a wonderfully laid-back event and as the last in the Northern series, it is plainly just going to keep growing.

Eligible boats can enter online up to Friday August 24 via the event website at www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au

The social calendar is sure to have something for everyone with shore side activities happening every day during the regatta. Following the success of shore side parties from previous years, this year the regatta will again feature a lay day party.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week shore supporters and local residents alike can enjoy a full day of entertainment, kicking off at 10.00am with an exciting line-up of live music, market-like displays, children’s activities, food and beverages and much more.