Black Jack II heading for XXXX Sail Paradise 2012

Having sailed in the inaugural Sail Paradise on the Gold Coast, Brisbane yachtsman Peter Harburg has confirmed he will be back again next month for the 2012 series with his latest yacht, the 42ft Black Jack II.

‘This can become one of the biggest regattas in Australia,’ Harburg said after contesting the inaugural series, sailed out of Southport Yacht Club. ‘We are out there sailing on a beautiful, clear blue ocean while looking at majestic beaches and stunning scenery through to the hinterland. It’s paradise.’

It was a similar experience for Harburg’s sailing master, well known America’s Cup sailor and sailmaker, Mark ‘Squark’ Bradford: ‘Sail Paradise has all the attributes needed to make it a truly great regatta,’ he said.

Designed by the American group Reichel/Pugh and launched in 2010, Black Jack II has proved to be ideal when it comes to meeting the owner’s requirements – a yacht that is fun for mid-week social sailing and competitive when it comes to mixing it with the best on the race course.

Harburg also owns the Reichel-Pugh 66, Black Jack, which took its name as a tribute to Australian motor racing legend, Sir Jack Brabham. Harburg will be racing that yacht in the Brisbane to Gladstone race at Easter, so will be using Sail Paradise as a training run for the nucleus of his Gladstone crew.

XXXX Sail Paradise appeals in many ways: it is a regatta where sailors experience outstanding racing along the Gold Coast’s magnificent shoreline while their families and friends can enjoy all the exceptional holiday attributes the Coast has to offer – like the famous beaches, the Broadwater and hinterland, plus the numerous world-class theme parks.

Sail Paradise, which is sponsored by XXXX along with Gold Coast Tourism and Gold Coast City Council, is scheduled for March 21 to 25.