Beach Party a hit at Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week

by Jackelyn Norris on 7 Sep 2011 It was a jolly ‘yee-haa’ time had by all who attended the beach party last Sunday, as part of the onshore festivities at Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week 2011.

The five-day regatta, now in its fifth year and held off the sunny coast of Townsville, is one of the fastest growing regattas in the Asia Pacific. This year a record fleet of 90 boats ventured north to sail in the waters of Cleveland Bay.

The free Zinc Beach Party was held at X Base on Nelly Bay from 10am until late and attracted more than 700 people throughout the day.

Sealink Events Co-ordinator Jessica Ebelt said she was pleased with the turnout.

‘The number of people who turned up throughout the day, coming and going, was great. The weather kept a couple away but we had a lot of families in the morning to celebrate Father’s Day, which was fantastic to see, and then a lot of yachties and spectators came over in the afternoon.’

Over 300 families descended onto the beach in the morning to revel in the excitement and array of activities on offer.

Kids enjoyed face painting, sand castle competitions, slip ‘n’ slide and the X Base pool was also open to those wanting a quick dip.

Then as the sun set and the band got pumping the venue really came alive, with plenty packing around the bar and onto the dance floor to eat, drink and be merry.

The Sunday of Race Week is a ‘lay day’ when crews can relax, and plenty of yachties attended the party to soak up the atmosphere after Saturday’s tiring day on water.

The girls on Groove, sailing in the Performance Racing division of the regatta, came to mingle with skipper, Belinda Cooper, saying ‘it was great fun.’

‘It’s great to get to see the other side and mix up with all the party goers,’ said Belinda, leader of Groove's ‘Twisted Sisters’ all girl crew.

Many got into the spirit of the day dressing up as sailors and pirates, and the revelry continued well into the following morning.

Overall Jessica Ebelt was thrilled with the event.

‘We’re really excited with how everything went. I’m told celebrations kept going until close, until 2am in the morning, so that’s good to hear. It was just a fun time had by all.’

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For more photos from the Beach Party visit Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week 2011 website www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au