SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week 2012: Entries close Friday August 24

12:31 AM Wed 22 Aug 2012 GMT

'Robbo Robertson is preparing Lunchtime Legend for the 2012 Rolex Sydney Hobart race' &copy Rolex/ Kurt Arrigo

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week will be sailed from August 30th to September 4th 2012 on the sheltered waters around Cleveland Bay and picturesque Magnetic Island.

This year over half of the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week fleet will have raced at either of the two earlier regattas on the Queensland Season of Sailing calendar.

Skippers are now preparing for Magnetic Island Race Week which will commence with a Welcome function on Thursday evening. Racing commences Friday August 31.

Just six years ago Townsville Yacht Club staged the first Magnetic Island Race Week. The event was sponsored by Sunferries now SeaLink, with support from Events Queensland and Townsville City Council.

Well known Mooloolaba sailor Bob 'Robbo' Robertson will be sailing his Beneteau First 40 Lunchtime Legend in the Grand Prix IRC division this year.

Bob is preparing for what he says is 'his last Rolex Sydney to Hobart title in December 2012', but in the mean time he knows how to look after his crew.

'This will be my fifth time at this event. It's a natural; laid back, relaxing, perfect timing and a great venue. We went well at Airlie Beach and this year we are keen to wrest the IRC title away from the Townsville boats.'

SeaLink Queensland General Manager Paul Victory commented this morning 'Looking back at the fleets of recent years there is a notable step up this year, with more and more interstate boats making Magnetic Island Race Week a key part of their winter program.

'SeaLink and the Townsville Yacht Club have worked to make sure the Magnetic Island regatta is old fashioned affordable fun. It's sailed out of a well laid out marina and it has a great social program, experienced regatta management, friendly locals, plenty of accommodation options and a stunning island, close to a major regional city with good air connections.

'Magnetic Island Race Week presents a wonderful opportunity to bring visitors to our region. This year we are integrating a Taste of North Queensland, a food wine and music festival, into this rapidly growing event.

'The social calendar is sure to have something for everyone with shore side activities happening every day during the regatta. Following the success of shore side parties in previous years, this year the regatta will again feature a lay day party.

'SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week shore supporters and local residents alike can enjoy a full day of entertainment, kicking off at 10am with an exciting line up of live music, market like displays, children's activities, food and beverages and much more.'

The 2012 Notice of Race is on the website where online entries will be being accepted for this 'must do' Far North Queensland regatta.

Online entries close this Friday August 24 2012, although late entries will be accepted next week, with a late fee applicable.

For more information, NOR and online entry please visit the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week website: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au