The gale force winds that blasted the Gold Coast yesterday caused the postponement of day one of the Southport Yacht Club’s Qoin Sail Paradise Offshore Yacht Regatta.
Race organisers had no option but to make the move due to safety factors relating to the crews of the 48 yachts contesting the prestigious series.
Southport Yacht Club’s Vice Commodore of Sail, Drew Jones, said, “The safety of our 400 competitors is paramount, so we had no hesitation in abandoning today’s racing.
“We are hoping that conditions will ease overnight so we can get everyone on the water tomorrow.
“It’s our desire to do everything possible to have the yachts racing on the courses we have planned to be set just off the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches.”
Southport Yacht Club’s General Manager, Brett James, said “The regatta’s management team will be monitoring conditions overnight in the hope they can complete the first day of racing tomorrow.
“Sail Paradise 2022 has the potential to be the most exciting regatta ever staged off the Gold Coast, but at the same time, we have to make sure the series is memorable for all the right reasons. Regardless we won’t be making any decisions until we get the green light from the Maritime Safety organisation. We are not expecting that until around 8am tomorrow.”
Day one Video: https://fb.watch/aigJuLe01L/
