Delights of SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week don't begin and end with sailing
by Di Pearson/SMIRW media 24 Jul 01:35 PDT
29 August - 4 September 2024
Competitive racing in tropical paradise - SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week © Andrea Francolini
SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2024 sold out in an unprecedented 12 minutes - minus a few seconds - but it's more than the sailing that attracts competitors, their families and friends to this quaint island paradise.
Townsville Yacht Club's (TYC) annual event is loved by all for its well thought out social program. There is something to appeal to all tastes, from kids up to grandparents, water babies and landlubbers. Just ask anyone from those lucky enough to make the cut this year - and the hopefuls on the waiting list.
On the opening night, Thursday 29 August, crews will be welcomed and enjoy dancing the night away to sounds from high energy rock band, Shots Fired - Power 100 at Peppers Race Headquarters.
On Friday morning, before the first race, a free Community Breakfast and Star 106.3 outside broadcast is on offer at Nelly Bay Terminal.
From noon until 3pm that day, those who aren't sailing can join in the Star 106.3 Leisurely Long Lunch, which raises funds for Liptember and Mater Private Hospital. To be held at Peppers Boardwalk Restaurant, it is normally a sellout, so go to the official site to book your place, or a table, now.
After lunch, DJ Delicious will keep things moving on the deck ahead of the daily prize-giving and entertainment for the night.
An enduring crowd pleaser is Townsville Airport Father's Day on Sunday at Picnic Bay. Race organisers declare a lay day for crews, whose families and friends also get into the spirit of the day. Maggie Islanders are joined by Townsville locals and holidaymakers, who jump aboard SeaLink discounted ferries and take advantage of the free buses for the day.
The day features markets, free kids' activities, food stalls, the Amazing Grace Early Learning sand castle competition and the Weigh N Pay Great Inflatable Race with cash prizes to be won. Teams and individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at the official SMIRW site, or on the day from 9am near the Picnic Bay jetty. Don't miss out - it's too much fun!
There's more! At Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club there is an all-day fundraising BBQ, with licensed bar, mud crab races (raising funds for the MI Koala Hospital) and from noon until 5pm, the throngs hits the dance floor for Godfathers of Funk. So catchy is their music, yachtsman Graeme Boyd, broken foot in boot, crutches and all, could not stay off the dance floor last year!
For those with the stamina to kick on, singer/song writer Tess Latu will entertain on the Peppers Race Headquarters deck from 6pm. Those having dinner at Peppers can also take advantage of the entertainment too.
Others lined up to entertain after racing each night include: GenXis with music from the '70s and '80s, Karaoke DJ rock 'n roll with 45RPM, a crew party at Maggie Island Brewery, the Ensign Yachts Sponsors and Skippers Evening at TYC.
Topping off a wonderful week, there is the official prize presentation, accompanied by a gourmet barbecue dinner. Cranky Pants will entertain - so bring your dancing shoes or moon boot!
Why wouldn't you want to be there?
Since he first discovered SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, NSW yachtsman, Colin Wilson, can't get enough and is coming up for his ninth: "It's fantastic," he enthuses. We missed out last year. We were too late in getting our finger on the button," Never A Dull Moment's owner says of last year's attempt to enter the event that sold out in 16 minutes.
"We weren't going to miss out this time, so we practiced entering," Wilson said. And just as well, as such is its popularity, Race Week was booked out even more quickly this time.
"What makes Maggie Island special for us (he and wife Denise) is everyone stays together after racing each day at the marina and ashore. Everyone has fun and enjoys the festivities and each other's company.
"The afternoon prize-givings after racing (at Peppers on the deck) with Scotty Hillier (of Creek to Coast fame) with the big screen showing highlights and the bands after are just the best.
"Father's Day celebrations are brilliant. Townsville Yacht Club has something different to keep us entertained every year. We always join in and spend the day at Picnic Bay. We can't wait to see what's in store for us this year."
Wilson adds, "Our crew are really going to enjoy themselves. We have a German friend flying in from Germany to sail with us. It will be a first for him and he's very excited about it. He's heard all about Race Week from us and has been looking forward to it for 12 months."
For all information including list of entries please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au.