Mickey Ink Port Douglas Race Week preview
by Michael Gwilliams on 8 Apr 2015
Dusty Muzzle (2012 crew) from Townsville is a regular competitor in Port Douglas Pete Ryan
2015 Mickey Ink Port Douglas Race Week - There are less than six weeks before the flag falls to signal the start of racing. Racing the winds of paradise for the famous Clipper Cup on the magical waters of tropical far north Queensland.
Organizing authority Port Douglas Yacht Club is hoping to smash the record books and eclipse the record 44 entries set in 1995 when Port Douglas Yacht Club and Cairns Yacht Club jointly hosted the first Clipper Cup Regatta.
Entries to date have passed the half way mark and with many potential competitors from both clubs still yet to enter hopes are riding high.
Support is strong from further afield with Townsville boat Dusty Muzzle returning to defend their 2014 division one win after making the passage north on three previous occasions.
There will be a small fleet sailing up from Townsville again this year as Guilty Pleasures VI and Champagne have also confirmed their entry.
With four divisions catering for mono-hulls (with spinnakers), mono-hulls (without spinnakers), multi-hulls and mono-hulls under nine meters there is a division to suit every boat. A separate sub-division for the J24 class is expected as the number of J's climbs to five.
The tyranny of distance and the isolation of the far north are not seen as an obstacle to getting the numbers. The courses offer magnificent sailing conditions in a world class tourist destination and Race Week coincides with Port Douglas Carnivale, the festival that heralds the opening of the season for the northern tourist mecca.
Add to that the enchantment of the host venue, Port Douglas Yacht Club and the competitors are set for a week of thrills and fun second to none.
Visit
website for more information and to get your entry in.
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