Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week kicks off in style

Tunes, tropical T-shirts and terrific conditions marked the beginning of the Magnetic Island race week. Find out what crews are enjoying the most about this years event.

Non-spinnaker division at the 2024 Magnetic Island Race Week

Sailors have hit the water for the first few days of the Magnetic Island Race week, taking advantage of the endless amounts of fun while celebrating their epic wins.

The 17th SeaLink race week officially opened on Friday with teams getting the chance to flex their muscles out on the water during the smooth conditions.

Although some divisions experienced a delayed start due to insufficient wind, Ian Edwards, the winner of the spinnaker division two, said it was a good chance for crews to familiarise themselves with any new crew members.

“We all had to wait around for the wind, but it didn’t really come,” he said.

“Denis (Thompson, the Principal Race Officer) did his best and eventually found there was more wind inshore.

The Making Waves crew in day two of the 2024 Magnetic Island Race Week

“It was light in the five to seven knot range when we had our spinnaker up, so we were sailing angles to try and get our way down to the mark.”

“The wind built a little coming back – only to around 8 knots though. That was fine, because like others, we have some crew who sailed with us at Hamo and some new ones here, so we haven’t sailed together as a team before.

Bambalam at the 2024 SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

“I’d rather the first day be like this than say 20-30 knots.”

Division three winners, brothers Andrew and John McDougall said that the overall atmosphere of the event was spectacular.

“This is our first time here. We were lucky we got in. It’s a great regatta. Very social. We’re finding it relaxed and professionally run on the water by Denis,” Mr McDougall said.

“We’re impressed by the location and accommodation as well.”

A stronger breeze came along with day two, as tropical shirt clad competitors flocked to their vessels ready for another big day among the waves.

Boats Wings, Charm Offensive and YKnot at the 2024 SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

Yachtswoman Wendy Tuck and her crew were glad to be back in Townsville raising awareness for their charity Making Waves which provides young people who experience disadvantages or live with a disability, an experience on the water.

“This is my third time here, but I haven’t been for a long time,” Ms Tuck said.

“We’re here with the Making Waves Foundation (MWF). Before Maggie Island started, we were in Townsville and took some refugee kids out and then we took out some kids with disabilities from two local schools out.

“We all had such a good time. Some moments brought tears to your eyes.”

“This is the first time MWF has been to Townsville and we’d love to come back. We’re here and other places raising awareness of what this charity does.”

Townsville sailor Janette Syme gained her first win in the non-spinnaker division.

“We had a very good start and were well-placed at the first windward mark. By the time we got to the leeward mark, we were still in touch with the front of the fleet,” Ms Syme said.

“We lost ground going upwind the second time, but we didn’t do too much wrong and the crew work was good. There was an extra knot of wind from yesterday, so it made a difference to the boat.”

The boats will be back on the water on Monday, after a Sunday full of fun fathers days activities at Picnic Bay.

Originally published as Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week kicks off in style