By Bronwen Ince
Australia’s leading professional yacht race manager, 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, dynamic and innovative marine sculptress and artist, Jo Wooler, of Mojo Creations, has completed the magnificent ‘Sail Paradise’ perpetual trophy out of polished marine grade stainless steel. The impressive 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 is evolving as ‘THE’ exciting new regatta in southeast Queensland. It caters for the widest possible 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 as well as simply wanting to sail in such a satisfying series, 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 offshore course area for Sail Paradise is considered to be one of the best for yacht racing in Australia. 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 stimulating and challenging passage south to Cook Island, on the Queensland/NSW border, and return.
Southport Yacht Club is well recognised as being the friendliest yacht club on Australia’s east coast, and regatta organisers will be out to ensure that this reputation is retained during Sail Paradise. 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.
Image Captions
1) Jo Wooler, of Mojo Creations, hands over the spectacular Sail Paradise Trophy to Southport Yacht Club Commodore, Rob Mundle. (Image: Southport Yacht Club)
2) The waters off the Gold Coast’s magnificent golden beaches are among the best you will find for an offshore regatta. (Image: Gold Coast Tourism)
Released: January 11, 2012
