Don't go south - head to Magnetic Island Race Week

by Al Constable on 30 Jul 2008
The cold weather has well and truly hit those of us who live down south, with icy winds and rain our companions.

The whales are already heading north ahead of the boat watching season, first to Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week and then Audi Race Week at Hamilton Island. The warmer, sunnier northern sailing series culminates in Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week at beautiful Magnetic Island off Townsville.

The second annual Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week, runs from Friday 5th to Tuesday 9th September 2008, under the auspices of Townsville Cruising Yacht Club, is set to be even bigger and better with entries coming in steadily.

Race organisers will send you the DVD of the 2007 series so you can get a feeling for Race Week, the venue and the facilities if you are interested in entering and experiencing the thrills Cleveland Bay has to Click here to register interest

Last year's Race Week provided all the excitement and adventure of sailing and exploring a new venue and the racing was very close. The IRC regatta winner was not decided until the final Round the Bay race, when Tasmanian Harold Clarke's Invincible was declared the winner just seconds ahead of Wayne Millar's Zoe.

This year's entries include New Zealander Rob Bassett’s Grand Prix 52 foot racer Marley Wired, Don Algie's elegant Warwick 66 Storm 2, John Clinton's distinctive Beneteau Holy Cow complete with cow horn, Garry McCarthy's White Pearl from the Mooloolaba Yacht Club, and an excellent local fleet led by Zoe and John Stokes Bavaria Match 38, Mach I.

The Southerners last year, including Race director Denis Thompson, were just blown away by the sailing conditions and after a hard day on the water, skippers and crews enjoyed 'shaking off the salt' on this stunning Island.

Magnetic Island itself offers a wide variety of accommodation and activities for the crews, family and friends. Hire cars are readily available and the Island offers many picturesque picnic spots, breath taking views, bush walks, sandy beaches, shops and restaurants.

Regular Sunferries services run to and from Townsville offering the opportunity to shop, dine in comfort and style, visit the casino or just sight see around the area.

If you feel the need for more Queensland sunshine don't turn south at the end of August to fight the southerlies, head just a little further north and enjoy all the experiences and opportunities Magnetic Island Race Week has to offer.

For more information go to www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au

Click on thumbnails below to view more Margnetic Island Race Week images.