Magnetic Island Race Week / 26 Aug - 3 Sep 2025

9 DAYS / cat 5 sailing REGATTA / EVENT #2532 / Merit: cREW positions available

Overview

Magnetic Island Race Week is the ultimate combination of spectacular island racing and evening fun ashore. Run out of the Maggie Island Marina, in North Queensland, the race week spans 6 races around the island and bays over 6 days, with a fun filled lay-day in the middle. With more than 70 yachts racing in sparking blue waters, filled with whales, turtles and dolphins, it’s one of our favourite regattas. 

Join the race crew onboard our Volvo 60 and previous round-the-world yacht: Merit, led by our very own Skipper; David Hows for a week of high adrenalin racing on the water and fun ashore. After helming Magic Miles to 1st place overall in Hamilton Island Blue Division in 2024, at Hamilton Island Race Week in 2024, David is back for more excitement with Magnetic Island Race Week in 2025.

Passage plan

Crew registration

regatta Description

Participating in the Magnetic Island Race Week, a premier yachting event set off the coast of Townsville, Australia, is an exhilarating experience that combines competitive sailing with the stunning beauty of one of the world's most idyllic sailing destinations. From trailer yachts to 100 foot super maxis, Magnetic Island Race Week is one of Australia's popular yachting regattas each year.

The experience begins with the vibrant atmosphere at Magnetic Island, the event's hub, where sailors from around the country gather. The North Queensland Island buzzes with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of camaraderie unique to the sailing community. As the yachts prepare to set sail, there’s a flurry of activity on deck – checking equipment, going over strategies, and final briefings. The air is electric with anticipation, with crews ready to face the challenge of the races ahead.

As the race commences, the adrenaline rush is palpable. Onboard the yacht, every team member plays a crucial role. The skipper navigates through the course, making split-second decisions based on wind, currents, and the positions of rival yachts. The tactician's voice cuts through the sound of the wind, providing vital input to navigate the race course strategically. The crew works seamlessly, adjusting sails, grinding winches, and maneuvering the yacht with precision. The teamwork is a dance of coordinated movements, honed through practice and a deep understanding of each other's roles.

Sailing around Magnetic Island during the racing is a visual spectacle. The azure waters, dotted with islands of various sizes, create a breathtaking backdrop. The islands, with their lush greenery and pristine beaches, offer a stunning contrast to the sleek, high-tech yachts slicing through the water. The course takes sailors close to these islands, providing an up-close view of their natural beauty.

The challenge of racing is interspersed with moments of awe. Dolphins occasionally race alongside the yachts, and the sight of a whale breaching in the distance is not uncommon. The varying wind conditions around the islands add to the challenge, requiring constant adjustments and vigilance.

As the yachts cross the finish line each day, the sense of achievement is overwhelming, regardless of the position. Back on shore, the evenings are filled with celebrations, stories of the day's sailing, and the camaraderie that is a hallmark of the sailing community. The event is not just about the competition but also about celebrating the sport of sailing in one of the most beautiful settings on earth.

Racing at Magnetic Island Race Week is more than just a sailing event; it's an immersive experience that combines the thrill of competitive racing with the stunning natural beauty of the Magnetic Island backdrop. It's a testament to the skill of the sailors and the enduring allure of this magnificent part of the world.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Weather impact

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

Extra reading

• Past events

• Why sail with us?

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

• Check out the regatta website.

• Listen to the Ocean Sailing Podcast episode 117 interview with Sharon Ferris-Choat: From Troubled Student To Olympian, Volvo Ocean Race, Jules Vern Trophy and Extreme Cats

itinerary

You'll fly into Townsville on the 26th of August 2025. We'll have 2 days together to complete crew training, final regatta preparations, allocation of crew roles and checking weather forecasts as the excitement and buzz in the race village builds. With 70+ boats and regatta crew and family members arriving for race week, its an amazing festival of sailing and activity ashore.

Race one kicks off on Thursday 28th August with racing every day until the regatta comes to an end on the 2nd of September. Results are announced ashore daily at 5pm followed by a trip to the bar for a debrief of the days result before heading to dinner.  For those that are up to it, we'll go ashore as a team each evening (dressed in our offical crew shirts) and hit the town.

You'll fly out of Townsville on the 3rd of September and head home with a hole in your heart, swearing you'll be back next year to do it all over again.

• Arrive at Townsville Airport 26/8/25

• Arrive at the vessel at Magnetic Island by 4pm on 26/8/25

• Crew training and safety familiarisation 27/8/25

• Regatta 27/8/25 - 2/9/25

• Depart Townsville Airport 3/9/25

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all lunches onboard, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included (if you stay onboard) along with suncream.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore (approx: $800-$1,000 for 8 nights twin share), meals ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Some crew will sleep onboard and others will stay ashore. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif, Hamilton Island & HomeAway.

Review sailing calendar for all events