Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week-Shunning cold, sailing to the sun

by Beth Roberts on 3 Sep 2010 This year the couple set out from Brighton to sail the 2000 nautical mile Melbourne to Vanuatu race. However, after being forced to retire from the race after some heavy weather shredded their sails, they decided to head straight for their ultimate destination, the warm waters of North Queensland for the Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week.

The five day sailing regatta is an annual event held just off the coast of Townsville, now in its fourth year and boasting a fleet of 67 boats, eight of which have travelled from Melbourne and one from as far as Tasmania. Many sailors use Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week as a starting point before embarking on a relaxing cruise up into Papua New Guinea and serene sailing in the Asia Pacific.

Both Rosie and David are exceptionally experienced offshore sailors, having sailed for 50 and 60 years respectively and competing in various long ocean races.

They have previously raced in the lucrative Sydney to Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart races, picking up wins in two divisions.

The couple also competed in the Melbourne to Osaka race in 2007, covering 5,400 nautical miles and sailing for 40 days and 40 nights unassisted, placing third in their division before commuting up to the Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach and the ‘fun’ regatta Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week.

Rosie and David sail locally at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club where for six months of every year they race at least three times a week, as well as sailing with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria.

Rosie is very active in organising a Womens sailing group with the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, with 120 women currently participating in educational and mentoring programs. This year the club has also competed in the Women In Sailing Challenge, a six race summer series which saw them battle it out against neighbouring club Sandringham Yacht Club.

In May of this year the club also hosted the Brighton Ladies Winter Series where 23 boats competed with all women crew. Rosie and her crew, along with four other boats from RBYC, also had the privilege to compete in this year’s Australian Womens Keelboat Regatta.

Rosie and David said they thoroughly enjoyed Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week last year, so much so that after their return home they convinced three other boats from their club to attend the 2010 regatta.

With its tranquil beaches, beautiful weather and with a tropical cocktail in hand, Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week is the perfect escape from Melbourne's grey and cold winter months.