SPORT - $10,000 in cash prizes for Sail Paradise

A cash prize pool totalling $10,000 will be on offer at Sail Paradise, Southport Yacht Club’s (SYC) offshore regatta scheduled for January 10 to 15.

All competing sailboats will be in the running to win a $1000 daily cash draw, and at the trophy presentation on January 15 three major prizes — $3000, $2000 and $1000 — will be drawn.

“We introduced the cash draw at the inaugural Sail Paradise last year and it created a great element of fun around the regatta,” said SYC’s general manager, Neale Hollier. “It is structured so that anyone who enters their yacht, be it a sportboat, cruising yacht, multihull or Grand Prix racer, will have a chance of winning the money.”

Sponsored by Gold Coast marine electronics and electrical specialists, Marinonics, SYC said Sail Paradise promises spectacular deep-water sailing just off the Gold Coast’s magnificent beaches.

Organisers are currently considering expanding the racing schedule for the Grand Prix level racers by introducing another option for the distance race — a course along the beautiful deserted beaches of South Stradbroke Island to Flat Rock and return. The other distance course on the schedule is south to Burleigh Heads and Cook Island, on the Qld/NSW border.

The mid-series lay-day will give crews, their families and friends 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. In addition, SYC says it has an entertaining social agenda planned.

Three major events will provide avenues for yachts coming from the south and north to Sail Paradise. Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s 30th anniversary Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race and the Marinonics Coffs to Paradise Race will cater for yachts coming from the south while Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron will stage the inaugural Manly to Paradise race.

Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Tourism are associate sponsors of Sail Paradise.

The Notice of Race for Sail Paradise and the Coffs to Paradise race are posted on the regatta website www.sailparadise.com.au and the Manly to Paradise Race NoR is published on the RQYS’s dedicated website, www.manlytoparadise.com

For information on the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Race, go to www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au

Photo: The setting for Sail Paradise: the Gold Coast’s sheltered inland waterway, and the offshore course area along the golden beaches.