Ready to rock at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2016
by Di Pearson 2 Sep 2016 07:07 BST
1-6 September 2016
Last night's fireworks at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2016 © Andrea Francolini
Townsville Yacht Club kicked of its 10th anniversary celebrations for Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week in fine style last night, welcoming competitors and guests with a fireworks display, as the Pommery champagne flowed when it was announced a record 71 entries will take part.
As the inaugural regatta garnered just 21 entries, Townsville Yacht Club (TYC) officials never guessed they would have to house so many boats at the small but stunning island. Yachties will enjoy the final regatta of the northern circuit in a relaxed and fun style, but with great racing in one of the best locations on offer in Australia.
Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson and his team are ready to go this morning, finalising the course for the day – a dented triangle course taking in Launs Beach, Kissing Point and middle Reef East Beacon.
"There'll be more breeze inshore today. The sea breeze will arrive in the mid-teens in the afternoon with a lot of north in it," said Thompson, who plans to get the fleet away at 11am.
Event Chairman and Townsville Yacht Club director, Mike Steel, is a good ambassador for the event, having entered a yacht at every Race Week since its inception. He returns this year with Boadicca, his Dufour 36.
The Club's Rear Commodore, Tony Muller and his wife Selena, have been taking part since 1990 and are here again with their Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, Brava.
"The beauty of this regatta is its proximity to everything. You get out of bed, walk to breakfast, take a one minute walk to your boat and then the course start area is two minutes away. You come back, walk to your room for a shower, then back downstairs for the nightly party," he says.
"You come here having done the 'hard' regattas, and it's fun and relaxed but the racing is good – and the island is beautiful – great for a family holiday, which is what so many competitors do."
There are all sorts here from locals, to Olympians and world champions. They are all here for one reason - to race in a relaxed style.
Full results and all information on the official website, www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au