Pictured above: Picnic Bay Jetty is best vantage spot for the inflatable race. Photo Bethany Keats.
Sold out the same day entries opened, organisers from Townsville Yacht Club’s (TYC) SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) are not resting on their laurels – they have worked hard on both the racing component and onshore entertainment program, with something to suit all competitors and their entourages.
The social program for the 16th running of the regatta, taking place from 31 August to 6 September 2023, “Has something for everyone,” says SMIRW Event Chairman and competitor, Mike Steel. “We try to put together a week of social events that cater to competitors, their family and friends ashore, their kids and visitors to the Island on Father’s Day. We want everyone to have a good time.”
The opener is Yachties’ Hour at the Peppers Race Headquarters deck on Thursday 31 August, followed by entertainment from the band Tiny Giants.
Friday, while competitors are on the water, those ashore can enjoy Rachelle’s Liptember Long Lunch, with entertainment from Tess Latu at Peppers Boardwalk Restaurant. This event is almost sold out.
Every evening after each race day is Yachties Hour followed by entertainment that will have the dance floor jumping on the Peppers Race Headquarters deck.
Sunday is Townsville Airport Father’s Day at Picnic Bay as yachties enjoy lay day. It is a day of fun with markets, free kids’ activities, food stalls, a sand castle competition and Arcadia Surf Club’s Great Inflatable Race. So popular last year, it returns with vigour again this year, large group of spectators and all!
There is also the Beach Retreat, brought to you by TYC and held at Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, including a fund raising BBQ, a licensed bar and the Godfathers of Funk rocking the afternoon. And then there are the fun Mud Crab Races mid-afternoon.
Father’s Day is a big occasion, with people arriving from Townsville by the SeaLink ferry load, joining in with the yachties for this special day out. Between 9am-5pm free shuttle buses will be provided by Port of Townsville on this special day.
Yachties Hour, to take place during the daily prize giving, is held at Peppers Race Headquarters, where party time ensues afterwards, so the atmosphere at the resort and aboard boats before after sailing is unprecedented. And on the final night, all the action takes place there again with the Presentation, buffet dinner and Cranky Pants will have all on the dance floor.
A mix of boats from monohull racers, cruisers, sports boats to multihulls from around Australia will take part in SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week in 2023.
For all information and to follow SMIRW, please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
By Di Pearson/SMIRW media
Daily prize giving turns to party time at Peppers. Photo Andrea Francolini
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