Guilty Pleasures-Sunferries Magnetic Island series
Local competitive sailor Leon Thomas has registered in the second annual Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week with his Thompson 7 sportsboat 'Guilty Pleasures', adding to a line up that promises to provide a thrilling competition. _Std.jpg)
'Rock n’ Roll (Leon Thomas) - now Gulity Pleasures'
Sail-World.com/ AUS © Click Here to view large photo
Thomas and his crew recently competed in the Queensland State Titles, held in Yeppoon on the Queen's Birthday long weekend, winning Division One Sports Boat Title and were also crowned Overall Queensland Champions..
The win caps off a big 12 months for skipper Thomas, as he also won the Sports Boat Class against Australia's largest sports boat fleet, the Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week, last year.
Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week Event Coordinator Stephanie Cairns has welcomed the news as organisers are looking forward to a competitive fleet in the Sports Boat Class of the 2008 regatta.
"The entry of 'Guilty Pleasures' is a great sign of things to come. Competitive boats such as this are sure to attract others and make for a fierce competition in the Sports Boat Class."
"The Sports Boat class was excluded in the inaugural regatta with entrants opting for other more established classes, but this year we are confident that the sports boat class will be just as competitive as the other racing classes."
Thomas and his crew competed in the inaugural Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week in 2007 under the IRC Racing division, as Rock n' Roll but this year they are looking to cement a win in their favoured class, Sports Boats. Unlike at the State Championships though, this time when they take on the best of the Sports Boat competitors, they will have the home ground advantage.
Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week commences on Friday 5th September and concludes on Tuesday 9th September with races starting on the Saturday. There are five classes in total for competitors - IRC Racing, PHS Racing, Cruising with Spinnaker, Cruising Non Spinnaker and Sports Boats.
Event organisers are anticipating a boost in competitor numbers this year to 40 boats across the five classes. Registrations close 1 August 2008 and Sunsea Travel has developed accommodation and touring packages for competitors and spectators visiting the region.
For more information or to register, visit www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
by Stpehanie Cairns 
sunrise beach, QLD
