In May Port Douglas Yacht Club will host 2020 Quicksilver Port Douglas Race Week “Racing the winds of paradise for the Clipper Cup”. The regatta is to be staged over five days starting on Tuesday May 19 and concluding Saturday May 23.
Race Week has evolved from the club's inaugural 1995 Clipper Cup Regatta when the famous Pan Am Clipper Cup trophy first arrived in Port Douglas all the way from Waikiki Yacht Club, Hawaii. The regatta has enjoyed tremendous growth in recent years, averaging 27 entries since 2012 with 2015, the year the event rebranded to Port Douglas Race Week, attracting 32 entries.
Still chasing the record 42 entries set by the inaugural Clipper Cup of 1995, the aim this year is to attract at least 30 entries.
There are great incentives to compete for visiting yachties. Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina offers free berthing to visiting boats for the week of racing and great deals for those that stay either side of that. If you’re going to be in the region come May, it’s a great opportunity to secure an amazing deal at the marina. With divisions to suit all types this is a great opportunity for any cruisers passing through the area.
This year John Maclurcan of Sailsys will be the independent handicapper for the PHS divisions and Greg Sinclair (Australian Sailing National Race Officer) and Lister Hughes (Australian Sailing International Judge) will officiate. One of the biggest draw cards is that the calibre of the on water officials is equally matched by the off water hospitality of the host club.
With a strong contingent of keelboats expected to once again sail north from Townsville and Cairns it’s hoped to also boost the fleet this year by attracting more multihulls, sportsboats and trailer sailors. The club can offer free berths and trailer storage for all competitors, plus great deals on accommodation.
The regatta coincides with the annual Port Douglas Carnivale, a celebration of life in the tropics. There will be a multitude of events happening throughout the week and the town will be alive with the Carnivale atmosphere and the excitement of Quicksilver Port Douglas Race Week.
Entries are now open and can be made online at https://portdouglasraceweek.com.au/
