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SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week Day 2: More Breeze Made a Difference

29 August – 4 September 2024

At SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2024, the morning brought cries of, “My handicap has been crucified,” after some boats celebrated significant victories during the Tan Lines Distilling Race Day. One participant remarked, “We were just lucky in the light air,” but the handicapper maintains a fair competition, especially during the first day with a new fleet featuring a diverse range of boats.

The atmosphere is vibrant as participants prepare for Townsville City Council Race Day and Tropical Shirt Day, with perfect tropical weather enhancing the festivities. This event, now in its 17th year, promises awards for the best-dressed teams later tonight.

Crews are putting in tremendous effort. Vicki Hamilton’s local Akarana crew entertained fellow participants at Peppers Blue on Blue resort marina with a spirited performance to ‘Macarena.’ The men sported tropical budgie smugglers, dancing alongside their female counterparts.

Wendy Tuck, a winning yachtswoman around the world, led her Making Waves Kayle (NSW) crew in playful attire. Tuck humorously mentioned a mix-up, claiming she misheard ‘shirts’ for ‘skirts,’ leading her crew to don tropical hula skirts.

“This is my third time here, but it’s been a long time since my last visit,” Tuck expressed. Representing the Making Waves Foundation (MWF), her team had previously taken black African refugee children and local school kids with disabilities for sailing experiences in Townsville. “We made wonderful memories; some moments even brought tears to my eyes. We hope to return and continue spreading awareness about our charity. For more information or to donate, please visit: makingwaves.au.”

In an exciting turn of events, Making Waves clinched the Spinnaker Division 1 victory over Gordon Ketelbey’s TP52, Zen. Tuck shared her excitement, stating, “We’re very happy! We went from last yesterday to first, aided by an ideal sea breeze of 8-10 knots, mostly averaging 8 knots throughout the race.”

The La Quinta crew, led by Chris Morgan, showcased colorful pineapple-themed shirts matching the local vibe. Meanwhile, Colin and Denise Wilson’s Never a Dull Moment crew made notable efforts with their outfits, including Micha Wuerfele, a friend visiting from Germany, who expressed his amazement at the experience: “This is my first regatta and my first time on a boat like this. I had to be part of it after hearing about it from Colin and Denise.”

Colin highlighted their special tactician, Heather Broad, who mentioned her husband, Ian Broad, a dedicated yachtsman and sailmaker, now retired but still actively participating in sailing.

Returning to the competition, Janette Syme, a local Townsville sailor, celebrated her first win with Espera in the Non-Spinnaker division. “We had a very good start and maintained our position well. Despite losing some ground while going upwind on the second lap, our crew performed admirably, aided by an extra knot of wind compared to yesterday,” shared Syme, who sails a Beneteau Oceanis 390.

Newcomer Jason Lea’s Pali Pali secured victory in the multihull division after a close battle with Salacia, owned by local Owen Day, and Mixed Nutz (James Cormack, NSW). Lea excitedly shared, “I’m exhausted but thrilled! We executed all our tacks and angles well, focusing on avoiding mistakes.”

Looking ahead, Lea anticipated stronger winds for the upcoming days: “I prefer heavier winds, so I’m excited for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.” He also expressed gratitude to the marina for accommodating them during the event.

Tomorrow marks layday and Father’s Day, with no racing scheduled. Celebrations will take place at Picnic Bay starting at 9 a.m., offering entertainment for both adults and children.

Racing will resume on Monday at 11 a.m. For full details and results, visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au.

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