Townsville Yacht Club is set to open entry for SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) on 1 March, and rather than risk missing out as some did last year, many fingers are poised, ready to click the online entry button.  

Above image: You don't want to miss this - Andrea Francolini pic - SMIRW

“We were receiving enquiries as far back as October as to when entries for 2020 would open,” Mal Pirret, Event Chairman, said of the annual event to be held from 27 August to 2 September. 

“The earlier you enter the less chance you have of missing out. We are capping entries to 80 to fill the 80 available marina berths,” he warned.

“Some people missed out last year because we ran out of berths before entry closed, so the rush is already on. Our regatta appears to have taken on a life of its own,” he mused. 

Pirret, a director of TYC, and a regular participant at ‘Maggie’ Island Race Week with his aptly named Beneteau Oceanis 45, ‘Champagne’, said the Club was pleased to see Townsville Enterprise giving its thumbs up to the regatta: “It was featured throughout the newly released Townsville Enterprise Events Guide for 2020,” he remarked. 
 
This year, SMIRW will also play host to the Northern Queensland Sport Boat Championship, in conjunction with Port Douglas Race Week (PDRW), which will host Round 1. From there, the Championship will move to Magnetic Island, where it will be decided. 

Above: The young crew on the Sports Boat Spank had a great regatta last year - Andrea Francolini pic - SMIRW

“We hope to see an increase in the numbers from the sports boats, as they will obviously have their own division this year,” the event Chairman said.

“We are pushing to grow this side of the regatta. The boats will be housed ashore, next to the boat ramp located inside the marina precinct at Nelly Bay – without marina fees – to allow them to be left on their trailers fully rigged each night.”  

Early Bird entrants will receive multiple entries into the draw for the chance to win the fantastic Early Bird prize. The package is seven nights’ accommodation in a three bedroom apartment at the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (SMIRWs exclusive accommodation partner) and free berthing at Magnetic Island Marina at the 2021 Race Week. Enter by 31 May to be eligible. 

Townsville entrant, Ian Johnson, could not believe his luck when he won this major prize in 2019. He will again be sailing his catamaran, Salacia, having competed at this regatta for a number of years.  

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, around which Race Week is centred, is also offering an Early Bird special of 10 percent discount on their Peppers Bed and Breakfast rate (with various accommodation options available), including one welcome beverage per person. Secure the special rate by booking directly through the resort before 30 June 2020. Phone: (07) 4758 2400 or email blueonblue@peppers.com.au 

Magnetic Island is well named, as both sailors and tourists are attracted to this pretty and friendly part of Far North Queensland. It is a pleasant SeaLink ferry ride away from Townsville, with sea life spotting thrown in free of charge. 

Apart from the Sports Boat Championship, prospective entrants can choose from the SeaLink Spinnaker, SeaLink Non-Spinnaker and Multihull divisions. And as those who have been before will tell you, you don’t want to miss this special event.

A second warning - berthing for competing boats is at a premium, so enter now to avoid disappointment at: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au/