Queensland's Winter season sailing shines on Sunshine Coast

by Tourism Queensland on 18 May 2011 Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast next month hosts the first event on the winter sailing calendar as part of the Season of Sailing. Here’s some of the best ways to stay, play and eat by the water.

The sparkling blue waters of Mooloolaba Bay will be the setting for spectacular racing action from June 4 to 12, kicking off with Queensland’s newest regatta, Sail Mooloolaba, and culminating with the 15th Musto Etchells Australasian Winter Championship from June 9 to 12.

Now’s the time to book your oceanfront apartment – or beachside restaurant and watch Olympians, America’s Cup and World Championship winning sailors competing in these two major sailing events held over the first two weekends of June. In the week between these two events visitors can enjoy watching up close and personal racing in competitive radio control yachts and one-on-one match racing on Mooloolaba harbour.

The five-star Oceans Mooloolaba is offering a special Stay 4, Pay 3 Season of Sailing package including four nights accommodation in a two-bedroom apartment from $1,650. The resort’s huge balconies are an ideal spot from which to catch the racing action with 180 degree views across Mooloolaba Bay.

Other facilities include a heated outdoor pool, children’s wading pool, spa, steam room and gymnasium while the two and three-bedroom suites and penthouses feature stylish natural finishes and wireless internet. This deal, and a host of others, is available on the Season of Sailing website, www.queenslandholidays.com.au/sailing with most packages valid throughout the year.

If you’d like to learn to sail during your Sunshine Coast holiday, Sunshine Sailing Australia, with international ocean racer John Bankart at the helm, offers a range of courses for novices through to experienced sailors keen to improve their skills. Based at Mooloolaba Wharf, you can choose from sailing lessons for the kids through to easy sailing skippered yacht charters. www.learn2sail.com.au

The Mooloolaba Yacht Club also warmly welcomes visitors joining the club members for an afternoon of sailing around the Mooloolaba Bay. Fun sails are held every Wednesday and Sunday. Meet on canal side of The Wharf Tavern at The Mooloolaba Wharf Complex, at midday and 11am respectively. www.mooloolaba.yachting.org.au

Getting out on the water is an adventure with Liquid Getaway’s range of boat tours including scenic rides, surfing, snorkeling safaris and whale watching tours. Based at Mooloolaba Wharf, Liquid Getaway’s custom designed 12 seat boat provides a thrilling way to get close to marine life, including a pod of resident dolphins, turtles, rays and other wildlife during the ride. Tour options include a two hour snorkeling trip, with masks, fins and snorkels provided as well as light refreshments. There’s also a two hour surf safari, with the Liquid Getaway boat dropping surfers at a top 'local’s spot', off Mudjimba Island. www.liquidgetaways.com.au

For those still looking for more adrenalin there are surf skis and kayaks to hire from the Hire Hut and diving expeditions to ex-HMAS Brisbane with Scuba World. Other more leisurely choices of water activities at The Wharf Mooloolaba include game fishing, Mooloolaba Canal Cruise’s seafood lunch cruise cruising the canals on the classic Mudjimba Canal Boat. www.wharfmooloolaba.com.au

You can climb aboard a classic wooden powerboat and cruise the Noosa River with Noosa Dreamboats. The tours are for private groups of up to five people, onboard a craft built in the USA in the style of the 1940s and 50s American powerboats. www.noosadreamboats.com.au

While the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its cuisine and dining options, a 'local’s secret' can be found at the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club. Located at Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, the club is open lunch and dinner daily and breakfast on Sundays only. Normal club rules apply, but don’t miss this great spot for a hearty bistro-style meal overlooking the Noosa River. www.nyrc.com.au

Now in its second year, the Season of Sailing aims to attract visitors to sailing events being held from now until September along the Queensland coastline.

The Season of Sailing website, www.queenslandholidays.com.au/sailing offers a whole range of getaways where you can enjoy being part of these famous events including the world famous Hamilton Island Race Week. Learn to sail or 'drop anchor' at a waterfront resort.

2011 Queensland’s Season of Sailing events:
Etchells Australasian Winter Championships (Sunshine Coast) – June 9–12
Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race - August 5-8
Airlie Beach Race Week - August 12-18
Hamilton Island Race Week - August 19-27
Magnetic Island Race Week - September 1-6

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