Crews raced with high hopes on the final day of the 2026 SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW), with exciting prospects for trophy wins and podium finishes. The day’s finale, dubbed Peppers Race Day, determined the outcomes across all divisions, announced at the official prize giving at Peppers Race Headquarters.
Conditions were perfect, with softer winds and a flat sea on a beautiful summer-like day, leading to some unexpectedly close results. No mistakes were left unpunished.
In the IRC division, Tom Woods’ JPK 10.80, Saltwater Wine, dominated the competition, holding the upper hand against David Hamilton’s Farr 40 One-Design, Seeking Alpha. Woods celebrated their fifth win from six races, stating, “It’s been awesome here. A great regatta. I’m starting to work the boat out.”
In the SeaLink Spinnaker Division 1, Peter Russell’s Italia 13.98, Vincitore, won again, surprising those who were in contention for the overall trophy. Despite being ill with the flu, Russell noted, “It was definitely our best race though. We started well and made all the right decisions for once!”
Brian Yarnall maintained his lead in SeaLink Spinnaker Division 2 with his 49i, Mika, despite being overtaken by Fletcher Tivey’s Ragamuffin III in the final race. James Permazel’s Charm Offensive secured third place overall.
In SeaLink Spinnaker Division 3, Joe Niven’s local Beneteau Oceanis 41.1, Chinook, despite scoring its worst result, had enough points to secure victory, with Philip Cormie’s Dreamtime and Andrew McConaghy’s Dragonfly finishing second and third respectively.
The competition was fierce in SeaLink Spinnaker Division 4, where Jacob McConaghy’s Keep on Running led the pack. However, Black Betty’s third-place finish in the final race earned her the overall win.
In the Non-Spinnaker Division, Andrew Watson’s Apres Vous secured a series win, despite being closely challenged by Pru Bennett’s Cloudbreak and Chris Males’ Roller Coast.
In the Multihull Division, Graeme Etherton’s The Boat triumphed, scoring four wins from five races, defeating Gordon Beath’s Roamance by three points.
The principal race officer, Denis Thompson, adapted the Strand Race for the final day, allowing locals and visitors to witness the thrilling racing up close. Mike Steel, Event Chairman and Competitor, praised all competitors and volunteers, acknowledging that without them, the event would not be possible.
Looking ahead, next year marks the 20th edition of SMIRW, with plans already in motion to celebrate this milestone. Townsville has also been chosen as a venue for the 2032 Olympic Games Sailing Competition, ensuring exciting times ahead for the Townsville Yacht Club.
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
#MagneticIslandRaceWeek #miraceweek #SailingAustralia #SeaLink
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