Story by Tanya Rabe
Every January, Southport Yacht Club (SYC) hosts an exciting summertime sailing regatta aptly named, Sail Paradise. The week of racing kicks off the Gold Coast’s major events calendar and offers something special for sailors and spectators alike.
Sail Paradise is the ideal event to complement the buzzing vibe of our tropical Gold Coast summer, with a week-long party at the Main Beach clubhouse where everyone is invited. Aligned with the vibrant summer feel of the Gold Coast, the club will feature various musicians throughout the week, a special lunch date devoted to the ladies, beach parties and daily presentations. The cryptocurrency leader, Qoin, will be onboard as the naming rights sponsor in 2022.
Since the event’s origin 13 years ago, it is now regarded as the largest offshore sailing regatta in Southeast Queensland.
The fleet has grown in size. The January 2021 event had a record number of 54 boats competing, bringing 1,300 ocean-loving skippers and crew to the Gold Coast. The club is preparing for an even bigger turn-out for January 2022.
Kerry Noyes, Gold Coast businesswoman, first lady Commodore of SYC, and skipper of Aramex, recalls her memories from last year’s regatta. ‘‘The scenery on the way down the coast and back is absolutely fabulous, while the backdrop of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach is incredible. It really is a unique situation to be looking from your boat at our growing city that sits on the shoreline, with the Gold Coast Hinterland in the background.”
Rob Mundle OAM, prominent sailor, journalist and author, was one of the two founders of Sail Paradise back in the day when it was just a club event. Rob has seen the event’s reputation enhanced, growing from strength to strength, in its short 13-year history. He is excited for the future of Southport Yacht Club’s Sail Paradise Regatta. “I think in the years to come, you’ll see more and more sailors come from interstate, and from further up the coast in Queensland to this regatta.”
Sail Paradise is an inclusive event for the whole family; it is not only a sailing event for skippers and crew. With the Gold Coast offering a colourful summertime atmosphere where the city comes to life during the day and night, dedicated SYC staff will work with skippers and their families to create a week of fun, whether it be onshore events at the club, or a day at Sea World, Dreamworld or Movie World theme parks.
So, save the date, because Qoin Sail Paradise 2022 is set to be a week of sailing, competition, sportsmanship, friendship and family fun. Get ready for a week-long party at Southport Yacht Club. www.southportyachtclub.com.au
Published in print January-March 2022
