Magnetic Attraction – Australia’s Newest and Richest Sailing Regatta.

Welcome to the newest event on the national sailing calendar - Australia’s richest  Sailing Regatta at beautiful Magnetic Island off Townsville.

The Magnetic Island Race Week will offer first class racing on Cleveland Bay and around Magnetic Island, spanning the weekend of September 1st – 3rd, 2006 following closely on the heals of the Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island events. 

When first mooted, the Magnetic Island Race Week was greeted with such local enthusiasm – from sailors, sponsors, the Island and local community – the event quickly answered the question of “will it work”. 

This event will offer four classes of racing over three days in this initial year, with an expanded program planned in future years.  The event is being hosted by and run under the auspicious of the Townsville Cruising Yacht Club and leading race administrator, Denis Thompson of Sydney has been engaged as Principal Race Officer.

Townsville, once known as a dry and charmless city is now a thriving cosmopolitan place and one of Australia’s largest provincial cities with a population over 160 000.  Its magnificent Strand waterfront development has given Townsville a whole new face and with it a revitalisation and invigoration that now sees this North Queensland giant regularly winning awards such as “Community of the Year” and “The Best place to Live in Australia”.

This reinvention of Townsville has also been reflected in the business and commercial growth in the region.  This development is never more evident than on beautiful Magnetic Island – once a sleepy holiday home of beautiful beaches and quirky village-like residential areas.  Magnetic Island now maintains that beautiful setting, but has welcomed fantastic resort style development, particularly at Nelly Bay Harbour – the home of the Magnetic Island Race Week.

Around Nelly Bay – the sea transit centre for the Island’s 5500 residents – Peppers Blue
on Blue apartment and marina development will see 85 marina berths and 158 deluxe waterfront rooms and suites.  Meridien’s  Bright Point  Development on the seaward side of the harbour will become an iconic landmark on the Island landscape and one of the most prestigious addresses in the north.  Both Developers have welcomed the Race Week and have become Foundation Sponsors of the event. 

Magnetic Island links to Townsville by regular ferry service operated by Naming Rights Sponsor of the Race Week – Sunferries.  Managing Director Terry Dodd was the inspiration behind this event and was prepared to back his enthusiasm with the financial support to get the event off the ground.

Our other Foundation Sponsor – The Townsville City Council is perhaps the most proactive local authority in Australia when it comes to Event Based Tourism.  Its financial backing of this event follows a long legacy of major events hosted by the city including the magnificent end of WWII VP50 and VP60 Commemorations and many world class arts, sports and entertainment events.  Townsville is home to national Rugby League and Basketball teams and the sports crazy population ensures that much of the action off the water will be just as fast as the racing itself.  Our North Queensland Cowboys play the Eels at Dairy Farmers Stadium on the Saturday night of Race Week – just another “social program” option during your stay in Townsville.

This year offers you the rare opportunity to be part of something special – the first ever event.  As The Magnetic Island Race Week quickly grows to become a popular and signature event on the racing scene, it will be nice to say “I was there at the start”.

Please, come and enjoy our hospitality, our racing and our magnificent Magnetic Island.  On behalf of our Foundation Sponsors, Race Committee and all northerners, welcome.

Jeff Jimmieson
Magnetic Island Race Week Director

Other Links
	Entry Form
	Event Poster