A record eight minutes was all it took for SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) to sell-out in 2026 and officials at Townsville Yacht Club (TYC) were overjoyed that their event remains such a popular fixture on the sailing calendar, with racing to take place from 27 August to 2 September.
“Three minutes into opening entries yesterday, we were three quarters sold out - and in eight minutes it was all over. It was two minutes faster than our 10 minute record of last year,” said an incredulous Event Chairman, Mike Steel. “We were happy to see a few of the entries came from people who will be competing here for the first time.”
Among those new to SMIRW are Alan Grant’s Elliott 770 Loose Cannon, Andrew Hesselmans’ Steinman 40, Noeleen III and Kate Leeson’s Adams 10, Wazza Red Boat.
It was joy for those who managed to be quick on the keyboard. For those who missed out, Steel says, “We will take waitlist entries, in case any successful entrants are not able to make it, so don’t hesitate to contact the Club if you would like to go on the waitlist.”
TYC is also still taking entries from trailable yacht owners who are happy to keep their boats trailered on the boat ramp opposite Peppers Race Headquarters. Taking advantage of the offer means a discounted entry fee of $550 instead of the usual $700. The saving comes from not having to pay marina fees.
A few owners were able to gain entry to the 19th running of the regatta through the On Board Sailing Partnership (OBSP), which was promoted in the lead-up and open from 15 January to 6 February only.
The OBSP was created for those who wanted to lock in an early bird entry AND give a business a fun, high-impact presence throughout the event with: Logo placement on the big screen at Peppers Race HQ, website logo placement and direct hyperlink to your website and dedicated social media post promoting your business to the MIRW audience.
Jennifer and Brenton Carnell, a yachting couple from Geelong in Victoria, were among the other quick owners (a mix of newcomers and returnees) to take advantage. The Carnells have entered their Marten 49, Phoenix49, in what will be their first appearance at SMIRW.
“Brenton heard about it (OBSP) on the grapevine and put a message on my desk and said, ‘Hey can you do something about this quickly. So I rang Jodie (Kennedy, the Event Manager) and we signed up. Our business is Brick Build Systems based in Geelong. The offer suited us,” Jennifer said.
“This will be our first Magnetic Island and it just sounds like a lot of fun. Whenever we come north (to Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach Race Weeks) we hear about it. Everyone talks about it, so now it’s our time to come to Maggie,” she said.
SMIRW is the final stop on the Northern Queensland circuit of regattas. It is centred around Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, including the race start line, a five minute motor from the resort. The social program will again be fun ladened and the lay day offers a full day of activities to suit all ages and tastes.
Entries at SMIRW, supported by Townsville City Council through Townsville Enterprise, are comprised of Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes, along with Multihull, Trailable and Sports Boats.
For all information, please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
Di Pearson/SMIRW media
