SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week Community Launch

by SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week Media on 29 Aug 2012 SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week continues to grow the region's profile in the sailing community with the arrival of more than sixty yachts to Magnetic Island for the sixth annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week.

One third of the fleet are interstate yachts from NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with local entries coming from Townsville, Yeppoon, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Mackay and Bowen. Further afield are entrants from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

The Regatta Community Launch will be at Flinders Square 12.30pm, Wednesday 28th March, featuring Race Director Denis Thompson analysis of the fleet, the course and the forecast conditions.

From Thursday when the last of the competing yachts will be tying up at the Nelly Bay Marina ahead of the first race on Friday on the azure blue waters of Cleveland Bay, through until Tuesday night’s presentation night, the days and nights will be jam-packed with social activities on Magnetic Island.

SeaLink Queensland General Manager Paul Victory said the sixth annual race week would be one not to miss with something to keep every member of the family entertained.

‘Sailors and their families have come from around Australia, to experience this unique destination and the Race Committee plans a great North Queensland welcome with events planned every night on the Deck at Peppers Blue on Blue overlooking the marina and Nelly Bay Harbour,' he said.

Thursday night will see a competitor’s briefing from 5pm followed by live music and the Dave and Cathy Hopgood (My Kitchen Rules) 'Cook with Love' demonstration on the Deck.

This event is not just for the sailors, the local community is being encouraged to join in.

Every day SeaLink ferry passengers will see the action on Cleveland Bay. Racing will commence from around 11.00am (weather dependent) with best viewing around the Marina, on the ferries to Magnetic Island, or on the shores of Nelly Bay. The racing fleet generally return to the Marina from 3pm daily.

Dockside you will be able to see some of the top yachts in Australia, including many famous boats from years gone by and the current crop including many Sydney to Hobart stars.

Friday and Saturday afternoons from 5pm is Yachties Hour on the Peppers Blue deck with live music each night and a special country rock performance by the Godfathers of Funk on Saturday evening.

Sunday will be the perfect gift for dad with the 106.3 Tastes of NQ day planned for Father’s Day, with the local Magnetic Island and the wider Townsville community joining in. Zinc FM and 106.3 will do live broadcasts both Saturday and Sunday.

'Sunday's festivities commence from 10.30am for the 106.3 Taste of NQ with market stalls, kids corner with come and try sailing, roaming circus performers and a fashion parade from 2pm as a sneak peek, to the Townsville Fashion Festival,' Mr Victory said.

'There will also be some fun for skippers with a final qualification event at 3pm, for the Antill Marine prize valued at $2500.' Music on the Peppers deck will continue until 8pm.

The end of the weekend won’t see the end of social events however with Yachties hour continuing in the evening and on Monday night the poolside sponsors and skippers event from 6pm.

The festivities of the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week will wrap up on Tuesday night with a final night resentation evening on the Deck at Peppers from 5pm.

'All in all Magnetic Island Race Week looks like a beauty for 2012 with the weather forecast looking perfect,' Mr Victory said.

This year SeaLink have introduced a $25 adult return ticket and a $65 family pass to experience the regatta. The discounted ticket also includes your first drink on the Marina Deck Bar at Peppers. (some conditions apply)

‘We are proud to continue our support for events such as Magnetic Island Race Week. Our partnership with the business community, government and the Townsville Yacht Club is vital.’ Mr. Victory states.

SeaLink Queensland continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding tourism in the region as the major sponsor of the Magnetic Island Race Week. SeaLink would like to recognise the event Partners, Events Queensland, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, the Magnetic Island Marina, Zinc FM, the City of Townsville, Ausco, Jepson Media, and Mickey Ink.

This year brings some new and ongoing sponsors to the table including, the Pacific Marine Group, Aluminium Boats Australia, Antill Marine, Akwa Marine, Hastings Deering, Fantasea, Grand Mercure Magnetic Island, FinPac Financial Advisors, The Stubby Cooler Co and Curtain Brothers SeaLink Queensland offers a convenient ferry service between Townsville and Magnetic Island and is committed to the ongoing support of the local community and community groups.

SeaLink are proud annual sponsors of the Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club, The Magnetic Island Swim, the Magnetic Island Adventurethon and other events on Magnetic SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week website