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Jessica Watson sails in for Sunshine Coast championship race

Queensland’s sailing superstar Jessica Watson has announced that she will help launch one of the biggest race weeks in the Season of Sailing calendar, the ADCO Etchells Australasian Winter Championship to be held off the coast of Mooloolaba from 7-10 June, 2012.

Pending her progress on Channel 7’s Dancing with the Stars, Jessica will be cheering the boats from the Sunshine Coast Yacht Club.

A local Sunshine Coast resident and ambassador for Queensland’s Season of Sailing Jessica has a soft spot for the race saying, “The Etchells race is one of the biggest highlights on the Season of Sailing calendar. I grew up sailing the waters off the Sunshine Coast and really honed my skills here.  It’s a beautiful place to be year round, but even more so when you can watch a fleet of the world’s best sailors battling it out”.

“Even if you are not a seasoned sailor, there’s a list of stay and sail packages suitable for all levels from kicking back on the hotel balcony and watching the race go by to grabbing a group of friends or the family and getting out on the water.”

Held over the June long weekend, the ADCO Etchells Australasian Winter Championship is the perfect excuse for an extended sailing holiday. Be tempted with some of these deals:

Oceans Mooloolaba
Enjoy cruisey days and four nights in a luxury two bedroom beachfront suite, but only pay for three. Includes a private balcony to watch the boats sail past, daily servicing, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival and a bonus late check out. Prices start from $412 per night. www.oceansmooloolaba.com.au/specials

Eumarella Shores Noosa Lake Retreat
Discover the Noosa less travelled. Enjoy this eco accredited Noosa retreat offering private self-contained lake houses nestled on the water’s edge. Explore Noosa’s pristine Lake Weyba in your own small boat or use the resort’s complimentary canoe. ‘Sail Away’ for just $155 per night, plus receive a complimentary Noosa Yacht Club Dinner Voucher valued at $30. Quote: Sail Away. www.eumarellashores.com.au/site/specials

Sunshine Sailing Australia
Get hands on with the premier sailing school on the Sunshine Coast. Learn to skipper yourself, or sit back and have it all done for you, and hire a yacht and a skipper and follow the race from the deck with drink in hand. www.learn2sail.com.au

Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba
If sailing isn’t your thing but you’re still keen to get out on the water then perhaps a cruise would float your boat. Offering Seafood Lunch Cruises, Sunset Cruises and Private Charters throughout the Mooloolah River, harbour and canals the 35-foot European style vessel from Coastal Cruises is the perfect option for young and old. Starting from just $25. www.cruisemooloolaba.com.au

Liquid Getaway
Need something a bit more adventurous? Then get your heart started with the fastest and most agile boat in Mooloolaba. Leave the yachts in your wake and head out to the open seas for just $60 per person. www.liquidgetaway.com.au

Queensland’s Season of Sailing encompasses some of the biggest race weeks in Australia including the Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race (3-6 August), Airlie Beach Race Week (10-16 August), Hamilton Island Race Week (17-25 August) and Magnetic Island Race Week (30 August - 4 September).

~ENDS~

For more information and/or high res images, contact:

Kim Noble
Publicist | Communications & Publicity

T 61 7 3535 5368 | F 61 7 3535 5563
E kim.noble@tq.com.au | W tq.com.au