The club website is: https://www.rqys.com.au

Robert Deaves made this report while staying at the club for the 2024 OK Dinghy World Championship. More on that event here: 2024.okworlds.org.

Travel

Brisbane international airport is 30 mins by cab (average $75 - €40).

Container port is slightly closer, with plenty of space at club for container storage during event.

Remember that Australia is BIG. Brisbane is 1,000 km north of Sydney.

Accommodation

The village of Manly is 10-12 minute walk away from the club and has many AirBnB, hotels and other options.

The is an onsite motel that will be used for all the officials.

There is a free camping area on the eastern arm of the marina with space for perhaps 20-30 campers and caravans. There is a good amenity block 100 metres away.

Launching and boat storage

Main ramp is about 50 metres wide alongside two large lawns that could accommodate 100 Finns. Further boat storage areas behind these including the club’s Finn boat park which has about 30 Finns. 

It is intended the Legends could launch from a smaller ramp on the northern side of the club.

Launching is directly into the marina, which has wide waterways and there is about a 10 minute sail to open water. 

There is an amenity block adjacent to the lawns.

Sailing

The race area is in Waterloo Bay with several options for the course area including close to the marina or across the bay. The whole bay is quite shallow with the tide playing a significant role.

The sea state is generally flat to small chop in light to medium winds. In strong easterlies the chop becomes steeper, but no big waves. 

Normal weather conditions are 10-15 knots from a range of directions, though being subtropical weather can change fast. Temperatures are usually in the low 30s during February but can be warmer.

Race management is very good and the club is run very professionally with good boats and equipment.

Tourism

The region, the Gold Coast to the south offers, and further afield offer a lot of options for day trips and longer stays before and after the regattas.

The local jewel is North Stradbroke Island, a world away from the mainland and an idylllic day trip. A trip will be included on the programme.

Ladies

As a prime destination, Brisbane offers a lot of opportunities. Downtown Brisbane is 20 minutes away with the northern beaches slightly further. The Gold Coast is an hour to the south. Island trips are very popular using local ferries, and there are many activities available including wineries, walking tours, dolphin trips and river cruises. 

Media 

The club has their own have their own media programme on https://rqtv.com.au. Daily highlights of about 30 minutes are published very quickly and shown around the club on the many TV screens, often within an hour of coming ashore. 

Overview

The local Finn sailors are on top of this to create a superb event on and off the water. They have great influence in the club and the area and during this visit were entertaining local councillors afloat during the OK Dinghy worlds to encourage their support.

Extensive work is also underway to get significant discounts and deals on containers into Brisbane. More information will be published as soon as this is available.

During the two weeks of the visit the breeze was reliable at 10-15 knots every day from three different directions and every race was started on schedule. A huge tent was placed on the lawn for event functions, and everything worked smoothly and efficiently. There is a separate BBQ installation on the small lawn. 

The club has a big Finn legacy. In the main foyer of the club half an old Finn is attached to the wall.

The whole club is very secure gated with card entry access; the same card also provides discounts at the bars and bistro.

The provisional schedule plans to start with the Australian Nationals, then The Finn Gold Cup and finally the Finn World Masters, all over a 20 day period in February.

It is intended to publish an advance Notice of Race before the end of 2024 so everyone can make plans as soon as possible.