Join us for the 9-day magnetic Island Race Week — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

Magnetic Island Race Week

9 DAYS / cat 5 sailing REGATTA

Overview

Magnetic Island Race Week is one of Australia’s most exciting and scenic regattas, offering a unique blend of competitive offshore racing and tropical island charm. Held out of Magnetic Island Marina, just a short ferry ride from Townsville in North Queensland, this week-long regatta features six spectacular races around the bays, coves, and headlands of Magnetic Island, with a lively lay day in the middle to relax, explore, and enjoy the island atmosphere. With more than 70 yachts competing—ranging from cruisers to grand prix racing yachts—the event attracts a passionate and friendly fleet, making it a favourite on the Australian sailing calendar.

Join the race crew aboard Awen, our high-performance IMOCA Open 60 and former round-the-world racing yacht, for an unforgettable week of high-adrenaline sailing. Skippered by Ocean Sailing Expeditions founder David Hows, who steered Magic Miles to 1st overall in the 2024 Hamilton Island Race Week Blue Division—you’ll be part of a focused and fun race team taking on this spectacular North Queensland course. Whether you’re an experienced racer or looking to develop offshore sailing skills, this is an opportunity to sail on a legendary yacht with expert coaching and a supportive crew.

Each day features a unique course, showcasing the island’s dramatic coastline, clear blue waters, and steady trade winds. From tactical windward-leeward legs to island-hugging coastal sprints, the variety of courses provides exciting sailing and stunning views. Magnetic Island’s relaxed, welcoming vibe continues onshore, with post-race gatherings, live entertainment, and vibrant dinners that make the social side of the regatta just as memorable as the racing.

Whether you’re racing for a podium spot or soaking up the island lifestyle, Magnetic Island Race Week delivers the perfect mix of action, adventure, and camaraderie in a truly spectacular tropical setting.

regatta Description

Taking part in Magnetic Island Race Week is an exhilarating offshore racing experience in one of Australia’s most laid-back and beautiful island destinations. Located just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island offers a racecourse framed by rugged granite headlands, fringing coral reefs, and hidden beaches. Each year, a diverse fleet of yachts—from performance racers to cruising divisions—comes together for a week of competition, community, and celebration in this uniquely tropical setting.

The regatta buzz begins on arrival at the island, where the marina becomes a hub of activity. Crews gather to fine-tune their yachts, attend race briefings, and share strategies before heading out to the start line. As the racing begins, the energy on board is palpable. Every crew member plays a critical role—trimming sails, grinding winches, making tactical calls, and steering with focus through ever-changing wind conditions. The racing is tight, tactical, and thrilling, set against the backdrop of vivid blue seas, whale sightings, and sun-drenched coastlines.

On the water, the challenge is real—Magnetic Island’s geography and microclimates bring shifting breezes, tide-influenced tactics, and technical racing across a variety of courses. Off the water, the camaraderie and celebration continue with nightly events, BBQs, and live music that make the regatta feel like a week-long island festival. Sailors mingle over sundowners, share tales of the day’s triumphs, and soak up the tropical hospitality that Magnetic Island is known for.

Magnetic Island Race Week is more than just a race series—it's a true escape for the adventurous sailor. It’s where sailing skill meets island spirit, and every tack, gybe, and sunset adds to an unforgettable regatta experience. Whether you're chasing trophies or looking to enjoy spirited sailing in a relaxed setting, this is a must-do event for your racing calendar.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: Use of safety equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Race planning: Planning our race strategy on a daily basis based on weather, selected course, hazards and currents.

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

Extra reading

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Review sailing calendar for all events