SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week Lay Day
by Di Pearson, SMIRW Media 5 Sep 2022 00:30 BST
1-7 September 2022
Family fun with the Great Inflatable Race - SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week © Andrea Francolini
Lay day represents Townsville Airport Father's Day at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW), not only for competitors and friends, but the droves that come in their hundreds from mainland Townsville, including tourists.
Picnic Bay was packed to the rafters for the Family Life Sandcastle Competition, markets, food stalls, beach - and a new addition to Townsville Yacht Club's annual event, Acadian Surf Club's Great Inflatable Race, which proved a popular new addition.
Anyone with their own inflatable item entered. The Arcadian Surf Club helped with the 'inflation station for those in need and provided a food stall with drinks for all. Entrants were innovative and there were lots of shrieks from the water and the jetty at Picnic Bay, the perfect viewing platform.
The Great Inflatable Race raised money for community projects. New community sponsors joined the fun day this year, in the shape of Queensland Country Bank and NBN Co.
Afterwards came the mud crab races and entertainment from Godfathers of Funk, who provided great hits and had the crowds up dancing.
Event Chairman, Mike Steel was there with his family: "We're having a great time, as everyone seems to be doing. There's a good selection of things for people to do and it's good seeing the throngs back again with lockdowns no longer in place," he said.
Looking for somewhere to lunch, many enjoyed Picnic Bay's new Maggie Island Brewery and beer garden, which was packed yesterday. Opened by regular SMIRW competitor, James Permezel and friend Mick Grimshaw, the business appears to be a success.
Permezel bases his yacht, Charm Offensive, here at the Island and is currently leading SeaLink Spinnaker Division 2, having won Races 1 and 2.
A new day has dawned and racing re-starts, with the first of seven divisions away at 11am.
For all information, including list of entries, places to visit and more, please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au.