Intense competition on the water will be matched by stonking live entertainment at night during the Quicksilver Port Douglas Race Week.
The regatta hosted by the Port Douglas Yacht Club is part of Port Douglas Carnivale and runs from May 22 to 26.
At least 30 boats are expected to race in this highly anticipated event on the yachting calendar with entries closing on May 18.
Port Douglas Yacht Club rear commodore Mick Gwilliams said were some fierce rivalries on the water as many of the contestants have long associations.
“They all compete at many different regattas including Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island Race Weeks, plus regularly race each other in club events year after year.”
Division 1 has several newcomers that have not raced before with boats registered in Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin that are currently based in either Cairns or Townsville.
“It will be interesting to see how they go,” Mr Gwilliams said.
There are also several returning winners, some on new vessels and others on their victorious boat
Sailors, support crew and the public can expect to be well entertained at the Yacht Club post racing with a big line up of live entertainment.
“On the Sunday night we’ve got guitar hero Stu “Sonny Boy” Forbes, on Monday night, skippers, volunteers and sponsors have a trip out on Wavedancer followed by drinks at Hemingway’s Brewery, Tuesday Melbourne surfer band The Reefers play, Wednesday will feature Port Douglas rockers Benny & the Clones, Friday 4-piece Southside and Saturday is the presentations.
Everyone is welcome and tickets go on sale during race week. Mr Gwilliams said the event, both on and off the water only happened because of the “awesome support” of Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
“They generously provide free berthing for visiting boats competing in the regatta during the week with a 50% discount for each week either side of that.”
As well as the Quicksilver Port Douglas Race Week there’s a bit of a side event that’s piqued yachties’ interest.
“Visiting yachts also are attracted by the Mickey Ink Rally from Fitzroy Island to Port Douglas to welcome all the yachts sailing up the coast on the weekend before racing”, Mr Gwilliams said.
“Now in its third year this is a very popular cruise/race to Port after a night of celebrations at anchor off Fitzroy island,” he said.
Anyone wanting to compete at the Quicksilver Port Douglas Race Week, should visit www.portdouglasraceweek.com.au
