FROM: SAIL WORLD MAGAZINE 05/10
Day One of the the Gold Coast’s offshore sailing regatta kicked off with a splash of fun, colour and questionable fashion choices, with 40 competitor boats dressed up for the ‘Parade in Paradise’, set in front of the Southport Yacht Club’s Main Beach restaurant, before setting off for the Seaway and the start line off Surfers Paradise.
Attention soon turned to racing tactics, with a solid 12knt northwesterly breeze and 1.5metre swell setting up some tight action between crews and challenging spinnaker hoists. Three races were conducted today, including a passage race from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and back along the spectacular Gold Coast skyline.
Crew members have flown in to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and the Whitsundays to compete in this year’s regatta, with the event growing in popularity for many vessels preparing their offshore crew abilities for major events ahead such as the next Rolex Sydney Hobart.
Proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast, The Yacht Sales Co Sail Paradise 2024 Regatta continues with another two days of racing ahead to determine Australian Sailing’s Queensland’s Yachting Champion for 2024.
Video and Photographic coverage of Day One will be on screen tonight at the Southport Yacht Club Main Beach Clubhouse.