Day 4 of SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) featured a 22nm Magnetic Island & Bay Rock Race, with new winners emerging. Most divisions completed the longer course while SeaLink Spinnaker Divisions 3 and 4, alongside Non-Spinnaker and Multihull divisions, tackled a shorter Round Magnetic Island Race, starting off Peppers Blue on Blue at Nelly Bay.
The race conditions varied, providing a mix of challenges with some rough patches and fast downwind rides, making it scenic and enjoyable for newcomers to the regatta.
In the IRC division, Tom Woods’ JPK 10.80, Saltwater Wine, maintained its lead, winning four of five races, including the latest, while David Hamilton’s Farr 40 One-Design, Seeking Alpha, remained in second place, four points behind. Grant Golombick’s TP52, Quest, secured third place overall.
Peter Russell’s Italia 13.98, Vincitore, continued its winning streak in SeaLink Spinnaker Division 1, followed by Ian Fankhanel’s Salt and John Whitbread’s Kerb, who secured third, keeping Kerb in third overall.
Despite some setbacks, the top two boats overall, Kim Jaggar’s Cinquante and Rob Aldis/Peter Byford’s Daguet 2, managed to secure their standings, although they experienced their worst results of the regatta.
Russell humorously referred to his crew as ‘The Plague Boat’ due to illness among most members but expressed determination to continue racing.
In Division 2, Nick Spanswick’s Seaya claimed a first-place finish, edging out Stuart Tivey’s Samurai and James Permezel’s Charm Offensive, who moved to second overall. Spanswick highlighted the challenges faced during the race but celebrated the win with a relatively inexperienced crew.
Division 3 saw Wayne Simonsen’s Bavaria 42c, Gone With the Wind, take victory, moving them into contention for the series lead. Simonsen remarked on the fun and improvement of the new crew.
Locals dominated Division 4, with Alan Grant’s Loose Cannon winning, followed by Jack Maguire’s Zen and the Art of Sailing, which moved up to third overall.
In the Non-Spinnaker Division, Chris Males’ Roller Coaster won by seven minutes, although Andrew Watson’s Apres Vous retained the series lead. Males noted the learning curve with his recently acquired boat and commended his family crew.
As the regatta nears its conclusion, Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson reported breezy conditions of 20-24 knots, setting the stage for the final race tomorrow, which will determine the overall standings.
SMIRW is supported by Townsville City Council through Townsville Enterprise and Tourism and Events Queensland.
For full results and all information, please visit: www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
By Di Pearson/SMIRW media
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