New sailing cup joins Queensland's 'Season of Sailing'

by Minister for Tourism, Jan Stuckey on 15 Mar 2013 Queensland’s 2013 Season of Sailing has introduced a ‘Season of Sailing Cup’ to encourage more sailors and holidaymakers to take part.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the Season of Sailing concept was launched four years ago and since then the sport’s popularity had been on the rise.

'To promote further growth, a new points system will be introduced in 2013 whereby the more Season of Sailing regattas sailors compete and score in, the better chance they have of wining the inaugural ‘Season of Sailing Cup’,' Ms Stuckey said.

'The points tally will begin at today’s first event – Sail Paradise Gold Coast, and culminate at Magnetic Island Race Week where the Cup winner will be announced.'

Ms Stuckey said the Queensland Season of Sailing campaign was driven by Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with sailing regatta organisers, regional tourism organisations and tourism operators.

Director of five Queensland Season of Sailing regattas Dennis Thompson said the new Cup would help create a stronger interest in the series, promoting increased participation in multiple events across Queensland.

'The Cup will help raise awareness about the season among the sailing fraternity as well as encourage more Australians to experience one of Queensland’s favourite pasttimes – whether they’re beginners or professionals,' Mr Thompson said.

'The holiday deals promoted through the Season of Sailing campaign are designed to encourage people to stay on and holiday in Queensland before or after the sailing events take place.'

Ms Stuckey said the 2013 season incorporated seven events across Queensland during what was traditionally a quieter holiday period.

Individual race events for Queensland’s Season of Sailing 2013 are:
Sail Paradise Gold Coast: 15-17 March
Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race: 29-30 March
Etchells Australasian Winter Championships, Sunshine Coast: 6-9 June
Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race: 2-5 August
Airlie Beach Race Week: 9-16 August
Hamilton Island Race Week: 17-24 August
Magnetic Island Race Week: 29 August–3 September