XXXX Sail Paradise - Yachting takes teens by storm!!!

by Bronwen Ince on 16 Mar 2013 XXXX Sail Paradise, hosted by Southport Yacht Club, Gold Coast is being held from 15 to 17 March 2013.

Ever since Jessica Watson’s unbelievable and record breaking voyage around the world there has been a resurgence in yachting, particularly in teenagers.

SYC’s Commodore Ian Hall said 'Jessica Watson has been amazing for the sport of yacht racing. Her stirring journey around the world showed teenagers that anything is possible'.

He went on to say 'It will be particularly prevalent this weekend in the XXXX Sail Paradise regatta being held off the coast of the Gold Coast where 25% of the crews are under the age of 25. Plus in 2011's Sydney to Hobart a local Gold Coaster set the record for the youngest skipper ever in the race at just 18 years of age'.

'it’s great to see the faith that boat owners have in these youngsters. They put the fate of their multi-million dollar boats in their young hands'.

He went on to say 'but that’s yacht racing, whether you’re 8 or 80, it’s a sport you can do your entire life'.

'Who knows, perhaps one of the teenagers will call the winning shot in this weekend's 'Go to Blazers Regatta' incorporated into the Annual XXXX Sail Paradise and teach some of us old dogs some new tricks. If so, I’ll be the first to congratulate them'.

Today we saw world class yachts such as Black Jack, Vamp and Alacrity sailing off the Gold Coast Shoreline in the Queensland IRC State Championships, Black Jack skippered by Mark Bradford is currently taking the lead in Division one with Blunderbuss, skippered by Tony Kinsman leading in Division two, Saturday and Sunday the Performance Racing, Cruising, Multihulls, Blazers and Off-the-Beach Catamarans will join in with the regatta, it would be well worth your while to see these yachts in action.

Tomorrow's forecast is set to be another beautiful sunny day on the Gold Coast, with 10 knot breezes forecasts, great sailing conditions for the 2013 XXXX Sail Paradise.

The best view point to see these fantastic multi-million dollar yachts racing in the XXXX Sail Paradise regatta is anywhere along the Gold Coast beaches this weekend. Or head down to the Southport Yacht Club after each race for a real up-close look at these amazing Event website