MEDIA RELEASE 29 August, 2025
The start to SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week nearly didn’t happen as Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson initially flew the AP flag ashore due to light winds. However, after a brief wait, racing commenced in the Townsville Yacht Club’s 18th edition of the event under sunny skies.
Thompson lowered the AP flag at 11:30 am, allowing participants, especially newcomers, to settle in before the first race.
In the SeaLink Spinnaker Class Division 1, David Hamilton (NSW) made an impressive debut, sailing his Farr 40, Seeking Alpha, to first place, alongside Mitchell Gordon’s Sydney 38, The Goat (NSW), who finished with the same corrected time. Hughie Lewis (Tas) secured third with his Reichel/Pugh 46, Hartbreaker.
Hamilton, a recent returnee to Australia, has already made a mark by finishing third at the Sydney Harbour Regatta in March and winning multiple races, including at Hamilton Island Race Week.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t be happier with our results and today,” said Hamilton, reflecting on his sailing journey which began in Sydney Harbour and included stints in South-East Asia, the US, and Europe.
He noted that Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island race weeks are their signature events and highlighted the strong crew they have built, featuring experienced sailors and his family, including his wife Theresa and daughter Emily.
Division 1 started in a 6-7 knot northerly, with conditions improving to 10-12 knots as the race progressed. Hamilton praised Thompson’s patience in waiting for the right conditions.
In Division 2, Eddie Mackevicius’ Beneteau 40.7, Merlion, claimed victory over Grant Chipperfield’s Joker X2, a J/133, with only 44 seconds separating them. Queensland entry Joint Venture, owned by Stephen Green, finished third.
Graeme Etherton’s The Boat (Qld) won the Multihull division, followed by Rupert King’s Overdrive (Qld) and Ray Martin’s Beatrix, which travelled from WA. Etherton described the conditions as light but enjoyable, noting the competitive nature of the race.
Ray Martin celebrated a significant family occasion as they raced on Beatrix, with his family members present to commemorate their parents’ 60th wedding anniversary at Magnetic Island.
Racing is set to continue tomorrow at 11 am, weather permitting.
SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week is supported by Townsville City Council through Townsville Enterprise.
For full results in all divisions, please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
By Di Pearson/SMIRW media
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