SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week: On your mark… get set…

 Pictured Above: Between a rock and a divine place. Revolution Productions

It toppled all previous records by selling out in just shy of 10 minutes last year - and unsurprisingly, Townsville Yacht Club (TYC) has been inundated with calls from those wanting to secure early entry into 2026 SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) - the most sought after ticket on the Australian yachting scene.

“To make it fair for everyone, there is only one way to gain entry to SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week - and that is by being quick on the keyboard when entries open at 10am (Queensland time) on Monday 2^nd of March,” Event Chairman, Mike Steel, explained.

“We wish we could accommodate everyone who wants to come, but berthing numbers dictate how many entries we can take,” Steel said of the vaunted event, held every year since 2007 and to take place from 27 August to 2 September this year.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming successful entrants and their family and friends to Magnetic Island again. We appreciate the support we get from the sailing community every year and we never take it for granted,” Steel stressed.

SMIRW is the final stop on the Northern Queensland circuit of regattas. It is centred around Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, including the race start line, a five minute motor from the resort. The social program will again be fun ladened and the lay day offers a full day of activities to suit all ages and tastes.

In this 19^th running of the event, the door has opened for trailable yacht owners to keep their boats trailered on the boat ramp opposite Peppers Race Headquarters. Taking advantage of the offer means a discounted entry fee of $550 instead of the usual $700. The saving comes from not having to pay marina fees and it frees up berths for non-trailable boats.

Peppers is in the throes of a full refurbishment to the entertainment deck, as it prepares for the usual onslaught of sailors. And this is a timely reminder to book accommodation at the resort as soon as entry is confirmed, because it is the popular choice for competitors and their families.

Many take advantage of enjoying a holiday before and/or after the regatta in this pretty part of the world. Easy access to Townsville opens up opportunities to partake of a variety of delights in the region.

SMIRW, supported by Townsville City Council through Townsville Enterprise, is open to Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes, along with Multihull, Trailable and Sports Boats.

So, put 10am, 2 March in your diary, set your countdown clock and flex those fingers, as you prepare to enter at: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au

By Di Pearson/SMIRW media