Sail Paradise shows off new trophy

One of Australia’s leading professional yacht race managers, Denis Thompson, has been confirmed as Race Director for Sail Paradise, the summer offshore regatta which will be staged by Southport Yacht Club, on the Gold Coast, from March 21 to 25. At the same time, marine sculptress and artist, Jo Wooler of Mojo Creations, has completed a magnificent ‘Sail Paradise’ perpetual trophy out of polished marine grade stainless steel. The award is styled around the shape of a billowing gennaker and is mounted on a timber base which embraces the surge of the sea.

Queensland offshore sailing legend, Bob Robertson, already has his name on the trophy as the winner of the inaugural Sail Paradise regatta with his yacht, Cracklin’ Rosie.

Sail Paradise caters for a wide range of sailboats – from offshore racing keelboats and cruising yachts to multihulls and sport boats. 

After enjoying the inaugural Sail Paradise regatta so much, there is no holding back Bruce Absolon this year. He has already entered his Volvo 60, Nikon–Spirit of the Maid, declaring that he will use Sail Paradise as a warm-up for the Brisbane to Gladstone race, starting April 6. 

The rapidly expanding SB3 sport boat class has nominated Sail Paradise for its Queensland championship, and already the man behind the class in Australia, Rod Jones, has entered his boat, Club Marine.

The majority of the courses will be set just off the surfline of the Gold Coast’s famous golden beaches, while the distance races for the keelboats will see them sail a challenging passage south to Cook Island, on the Queensland/NSW border, and return.

Apart from there being an entertaining social agenda planned for the club, families and friends accompanying competitors will have the opportunity to experience the many and varied attractions of the region – from the unspoiled natural beauty of the hinterland through to the beaches and some of the world’s best theme parks. 

The Notice of Race and entry form are on the regatta website – www.sailparadise.com.au Sail Paradise 2012 is supported by Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Tourism.

- Bronwen Ince, SYC