PIctured above:Aerial view SeaLink MIRW. Photo Andrea Francolini
SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) returns to the sailing calendar in September, and Townsville Yacht Club (TYC) and its organising committee are looking forward to hosting this essential event for the community, and those entrants who are able to join in this year.
Of the 80 plus originally entered, 68 boats will be at ‘Maggie Island’ from 2-8 September, for what is traditionally the end of the northern circuit of major regattas and also heralds the first of spring racing.
“We feel fortunate to be able to hold SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week after cancelling last year due to COVID and the associated lockdowns. Unfortunately, COVID persists, and we commiserate with those who were entered but can no longer join us because of current lockdown restrictions,” Event Chairman and TYC Vice Commodore, Mike Steel said.
“We know the effort that boat owners, their crews, family and friends make to travel up here and support Race Week. We hope you put your hands up again next year and we look forward to welcoming you then,” he said.
Fortunately, some entrants had arrived from out of state before lockdowns occurred, meaning the contingent of Queensland entries has again been bolstered by entries from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and even a handful of NSW boats.
However, due to border restrictions, there are several boats looking for crew. If you would like to take part, please contact Townsville Yacht Club: office@townsvilleyachtclub.com.au or phone: (07) 4772 1192.
“All social activities are going ahead as scheduled, but we will operate under the COVID-safe plan and ensure we do everything possible to keep the community safe,” Steel stated.
Support of this unique and much loved event, which is centred around Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, is important in many ways. Each and every person involved in Race Week contributes to building the economy and social aspects of the region.
On that note, this event is not possible without the strong support of our 30 partners, including major partners SeaLink, Tourism and Events Queensland, Townsville City Council, Peppers Blue on Blue and Townsville Airport.
For all information, including race calendar social activities, please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au/ and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MIRW2021
By Di Pearson/SMIRW media
Pictured above: Fabulous sailing conditions. Photo Andrea Francolini