RACE WEEK TO HIT THE WAVES

THIS year’s Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week is back under full sail.

Organisers of the annual yacht race have announced that the event will go ahead following the opening of Queensland’s border from July 10, allowing most interstate competitors to once again take part.

“We are over the moon to be able to say the border is open and our event is on and thank those who stayed positive and entered. We are sorry Victorians may not be able to join us this year but that may change in due course,” Race Week chairman Mike Steel said.

“However due to the COVID-19 restrictions of this year Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week will look a little different.

“We are restricted to 60 boats and will be bringing the party to the people on their yachts between 4-6pm daily.”

Race Week will run from August 27 and September 2, and is one of the established meets on the national sailing calendar. Steel said general access would be open through all areas of Peppers Resort on Magnetic Island, where Race Week is based, to adhere to social distancing.

“We at Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week will support Peppers Blue on Blue as they seek to manage the situation with entrants, by minding them daily,” he said.

“We have organised entertainment on a smaller scale, with speakers on the marina allowing all crews to enjoy.

“Fortunately the venue at Peppers is conducive to crews spending time on their yachts after racing, and this can continue with nobody missing out on the nightly presentations, courtesy of the speakers and a live stream to Facebook.”

A maximum of 30 skippers will be allowed to attend the event’s skipper’s briefing, with a live stream for those who are not in attendance.

Popular fishing identity and TV presenter Scott Hillier will be on re

Magnetic Island to undertake master of ceremony duties again, while navigating guru Will Oxley will prerecord the weather presentation.

Mass gatherings on the deck at Peppers will not be held this year, but crews will still be able to book dinners at Peppers and other restaurants on the island.

Participants can also use facilities in the units and barbecue facilities at Peppers. Entrants in this year’s Race Week have the option of competing in the IRC Racing, Sealink Spinnaker Class, Non-spinnaker, Trailable and Multihull classes.

Registrations can be made at w w w . m a g n e t i c i s l a n d r a c e - week.com.au