Twins celebrate 50 years of sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week

by Heidi Walton on 26 Mar 2013 Turning 50 may be an achievement in itself, but identical twins and avid sailors Bradley and Craig Ginnivan, are taking their birthday celebrations on August 14 to the next level.

With their birthday occurring in the middle of Airlie Beach Race Week, the Ginnivan twins are intending to take the regatta by storm as they sail the seven-day regatta onboard ‘Fifty Shades of 50’ - a Jeanneau 49 specially renamed for the occasion.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The seafaring brothers are determined to be the very first vessel to register in the popular regatta and host Whitsunday Sailing Club and Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson are currently working to make it happen.

With a lively crew of eight lined up for race week, including two former football friends, a real estate agent and a police officer who are new to sailing, Bradley said he wants to make the experience memorable for everyone.

'It’s not about winning, but just about having a few beers with great mates, while enjoying the Whitsundays,' he said. Both brothers are well-known sailors with Craig currently the Cairn Curran Sailing Club commodore in Victoria and Bradley a member of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Hitting the water at the mere age of six, Bradley is the current National Couta Boat Champion which he won in Sorrento, Victoria, and was 15th in the Fireball Worlds held in France.

While sailing in regattas all over Australia, he has also picked up third place in two Fireball Nationals, third in two Fireball State Titles, third place in an FD Nationals and has been named club champion three times.

He now sails Etchells as well as larger Farr 40s and 50 footers.

Airlie Beach Race Week will be held from August 9 to 16, 2013.