Surfers Paradise MP Guest Starter

John-Paul LANGBROEK, the recently-elected Member for Surfers Paradise, has accepted an invitation from the Mackay Yacht Club to officially start the Southport to Mackay Blue Water Yacht Race.

The race begins on Friday August 6 at 1.00 pm from off the Southport Seaway.

Mr. Langbroek said, “I am very pleased to be able to contribute to the success of this race. Although the Southport to Mackay race began last year with just four boats entering, the fleet is expected to be considerably bigger this year, with a growth potential to match the more established races. “

This race has already attracted two of Australia’s top racing boats, the former Volvo 60 around the world boats ‘Andrew Short Marine’ and ‘Seriously Ten’. The local boats to date include ‘Hi Fidelity’ which is based at the Southport Marina”, said Mr. Langbroek.

“We also have 75 boats coming to Southport the week before in the Sydney to Gold Coast Race,” he said. “Having anywhere upwards of 1000 skippers and crews visit the Gold Coast in either or both races, provides a huge and often underestimated, boost to the local economy.”

“The Southport basin and our coastal waters have a long history of yachting and sailing and I look forward to welcoming the sailors, their families and their boats,” he said.

Chairman of the Committee for the Southport to Mackay Blue Water Yacht Race, Mr. Dale ROBINSON said, “The race is still in its early days, but we firmly believe that both Southport and Mackay communities can benefit from a major coastal race. Our local politician Tim Mulherin MP has offered his assistance and we are very grateful for the assistance offered by Mr. Langbroek.”