Magnetic Island Race Week - going back for more

'The crew of White Pearl enjoy the afternoon sunshine in the marina at Magnetic Island' Sail-World.com/ AUS &copy Click Here to view large photo

Last year's inaugural Magnetic Island Regatta was a very attractive option for skippers, with their boats already in the Whitsundays, wanting to enjoy some more northern racing.

For those lucky enough to compete in the event it was one more great Queensland sailing experience.

The team on Mooloolaba's White Pearl saw the Magnetic Island regatta as a chance once to travel a bit further north from Airlie Beach and investigate racing on waters off Townsville.

Magnetic Island Aerial - Magnetic Island Race Week &copy

We talked to White Pearl owners Tracey Johnstone and Gary McCarthy about their first Magnetic Island Regatta.

What was your first impression of the island ?
We took our time getting to the Island since we had just finished competing in the Airlie Beach Regatta and we were looking forward to a few days break from racing. We sailed into the bay off Magnetic in the mid-morning. A clear blue sky, flat water and a stunning view of the island got us feeling very excited about making the effort to the sail those 100 plus miles further north.

What about the regatta venue ?
The venue was clearly brand, spanking new. When we shuffled our way into the berth we soon realised that everything around us, including the Peppers resort, was only just open. There were plenty of berths to cater for the competitors, right next to the resort. After getting the Pearl settled into our allocated berth, I spied the stunning guest pool and then the bar, not necessarily in that order mind you. We ended up enjoying both.

The regatta venue was obviously a hotel resort type set-up. But, this did not deter from our expectations of a great event. The registration desk was set up with the staff ready and willing to give us loads of local information and all the regatta documents ready for us to study.

Blue on Blue Deck and Restaurant at the NEW Magnetic Island Marina - Robin Gauld Click Here to view large photo

There was a supermarket straight across the road from the marina and plenty of restaurants both in walking and short taxi-ride distance.

How did you see the regatta management working ?
The regatta management was great. Denis Thompson bought all of his expertise to the event helping to ensure the on-water side of the regatta was professionally managed. He got us away on fair start lines. His regatta team from Townsville Cruising Yacht Club were on top of all the regatta issues.

I hear you had some fun with your handicap ?
Well, yes. As usual, handicaps are always going to provide lively discussion amongst competitors. At the end of the day Mark Vickers did the best he could with not really knowing anything about White Pearl. We raced her in the non-spinnaker division as we did not have enough crew to race her fully.

White Pearl - Day 1 Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week 2007 - Sail-World.com- AUS&copy Click Here to view large photo

Did you enjoy the racing ?
It was tactically challenging with lots of coastal hugging and a few rocks to clear. The courses were great as it was not a lot of races going up and down around the same marks. Instead we got to enjoy racing around the bay and around the island. The views of the island were stunning making it just all that more enjoyable.

What was the social side of the regatta like ?
Far too much fun ! Just ask the chaps off Rising Faarst. The locals went out of their way to ensure the White Pearl and Invincible (TAS) crews were more than welcome. Maybe they lead us a bit astray on the rum side of things.

Will you do the regatta again ?
You bet. We have already entered for this year's event in the cruising spinnaker division. The crew of Melbourne, Sydney, Mooloolaba and Townsville sailors are fired up, ready to race and party. The plan is to stay few days after the regatta to really have a look around the island from both the land and from the water.