Perfect sailing forecast for SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2013

by Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week media on 29 Aug 2013 Some 55 boats are expected to face the starter tomorrow Friday for SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2013 now in its seventh year, with more than 120 boats in all competing in Sail Townsville 2013.

While dual Sydney to Hobart winner Bob Steel and his TP52 Quest certainly adds class to the front of the fleet, the largest numbers of entries as happens in all the northern regattas will be in the cruising classes, with growing multihull fleets.

After soft breezes at Abell Point Marina Airlie Beach Race Week, even softer conditions at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, there have been plenty of smiles ahead of SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2013.

It’s the morning of registration and Regatta Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson has been up early walking the foreshore as is his regatta ritual. He is smiling and his Bundy rum hipflask is still full, with no weather god sacrifices apparently needed this morning.

'Wind at last! I have been feeling jinxed after the last three events. The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel race was sailed in 10-12 knots of wind, it was 6-10 for most of Airlie Beach Race Week, and less at Hamilton Island.

'So the current conditions and the forecasts are a great relief.

'We have whitecaps on the Magnetic Island race course area yesterday, as we came over from Townsville on the SeaLink ferry across Cleveland Bay and we are expecting 15-18 knots through the weekend and possibly 20-25 on Monday, steadying down for Tuesday, the last day of the event.

'The last few days of winter and the first few of spring will definitely be T shirt and shorts sailing, with 28 degrees today and 29 tomorrow and onwards.

'Superb sailing conditions for the winter refugees from down south.'

All the latest news and information at www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au