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Junior briefing on the jetty with MBSC Commodore Lachlan Heath, Camden Heath, Hayden Brachna, Carmen Walker, Chloe Brachna, Liam Rayner-Pink, Bee Stokeld, Xanthe Henderson, Quinn Henderson, Josie Heath Photo Credit Rachel Brachna
Mission Beach Sailing Club has delivered a new kind of sailing experience, with its inaugural Adventure Sail bringing 37 participants and 15 vessels together for a weekend on the waters surrounding Dunk Island.
Held across 22–23 August after three years of planning, the event swapped traditional racing for adventure, connection and the relaxed spirit of island time, with Dunk Island serving as base camp.
Sailors took on courses around Purtaboi and Timana islands, while the weekend also featured hiking, fishing, jetty jumping, wildlife spotting and foil boarding.
By Sian Bantock
Mission Beach Sailing Club (MSBC) held an inaugural adventure sail between 22nd -23rd August, bringing together 37 participants and a fleet of 15 off-the-beach dinghies and catamarans, for a unique adventure sailing experience with Dunk Island serving as base camp.
The event was highly anticipated, having been 3 years in the making. Most adventure races focus on the competitive aspect, but MB Sailing Club intentionally embraced the spirit of ‘island time’, encouraging sailors to slow down, build connections and share their passion for sailing.
MBSC Commodore, Lachy Heath was impressed by how well the first Adventure Sail panned out.
”We were able to provide a different take on sailing events, focusing on adventure rather than racing. Many juniors had their first experience sailing to an island and navigating around an island."
The two-day itinerary offered a range of activities whilst remaining flexible should the conditions change. Sailors made the most of everything Dunk Island had to offer, including hiking, jetty jumping, wildlife spotting, fishing and foil boarding in the sheltered waters between Dunk and Purtoboi Islands.
Adventure sailing requires not only physical endurance but also mental resilience.
“The challenging Saturday afternoon sailing course sent juniors around Purtaboi Island. Navigating the island's rocky shores tested their sailing skills and extended their mental capabilities. The senior fleet sailed a longer course around Timana Island. and Purtaboi Island,” said MBSC Secretary Carmen Walker.
“We get a buzz out of being able to facilitate sailing, social connection and watching the sailors progress their skills and confidence.”
It wasn’t just the juniors that were learning something new. Rob Lattimore sailed with his 17-year-old nephew Lars Gatti on their Nacra 5.8 catamaran.
"This event reminds me of the adventure sails we used to do as kids back in the 90s,” Rob said.
“The sailing stretched our skills, put us out of our comfort zone and fuelled our adventurous spirit,”
The club is now looking ahead to the 44th Mission Beach Regatta, which will be held on 24th and 25th October and is expected to attract sailors from all over North Queensland.
Anyone wishing to join the Sailing club can reach out to them on; info@missionbeachsailingclub.com.au or follow their Facebook page for more updates.
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