SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week unveils 2025 social calendar with a tropical twist

Locals and visitors are invited to mark their calendars as the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) 2025 social calendar sets sail with a packed program of island fun, live entertainment and community festivities to complement one of North Queensland’s most anticipated sailing events.

Held from 28 August to 3 September, the 18th edition of the regatta has already reached capacity for race entries, selling out in record-time within 10 minutes of registrations opening. In addition to the offshore racing spectacle, event organisers have unveiled a vibrant social calendar to complement the regatta that appeals to competitors, locals, and visitors, boosting regional tourism and community spirit.

This year, the Townsville Airport Island Breeze Festival will be held in Picnic Bay on Sunday 31st August, bringing a Cuban vibe to Magnetic Island with a lively, roaming interactive performance from the Afrekete Global Performers from 10am.

The Island Breeze Festival features the Amazing Grace Early Learning Sandcastle Competition, The Queensland Country Bank Great Inflatable Race, live music across local venues, the ever-popular XXXX Beach Bar at the Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club Beach Retreat featuring the Godfathers of Funk, and crab races raising funds for the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital.

“With a fleet of 70 yachts from across Australia competing for line honours, SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week has firmly established itself on the national sailing calendar, but it’s the vibrant onshore social scene and community spirit that truly set it apart,” said SMIRW Event Chairman and Townsville Yacht Club Commodore, Mike Steel.

“Locals are invited to join yachties on the deck at Peppers Blue on Blue each afternoon for live music, a video recap of the day’s racing highlights, and the official presentation to the daily winners, which are always a terrific atmosphere.

“The highlight of the social calendar is undoubtedly Sunday’s markets and beach party – we’ve seen this event continue to grow, and with this year’s tropical twist, it’s going to be more festive than ever.

“Accommodation is still available on Magnetic Island, so you can make a weekend of it, or just jump on a Discounted SeaLink ferry on Sunday morning and catch the free shuttle bus from the Nelly Bay Terminal to Picnic Bay for the perfect day trip.”

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week is supported by the Townsville City Council, through Townsville Enterprise, and Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said there was no event like SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to show off the best of North Queensland’s lifestyle.

“Council is incredibly proud to sponsor the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, showcasing one of Northern Australia’s most beautiful destinations. There really is something for everyone on the island during race week, whether you’re a keen yachtsman or prefer to have two feet planted firmly on dry ground,” Cr Greaney said.

“I’d like to congratulate the Townsville Yacht Club and all of the performers and event runners on yet another outstanding race week social program affirming why Townsville is known as the events capital of North Queensland.”

Townsville Enterprise Major Events Acquisition Director, Chelsea Cavanah agreed the event plays a pivotal role in showcasing the city as an events destination.

"SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week has been a signature event on our calendar for nearly two decades, and it’s fantastic to see it continue to evolve. After several years of sell-out success, we’re thrilled to see the changes to the social program this year with the introduction of the Townsville Airport Island Breeze Festival—adding a fresh new dimension to the event,” said Ms Cavanah.

“This event has firmly cemented Townsville and Magnetic Island on the national sailing map, and it’s exciting to see its continued growth. As we look toward Townsville’s role as a host city for Olympic sailing in 2032, events like this play a vital part in building our global profile and showcasing the best of our region.”

For the full program and travel information, visit www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au.