Port Douglas’ 2012 yachting season is shaping up to be a successful one, thanks to the commitment of major sponsors and some improvements to series formats.

Port Douglas Yacht Club’s major sponsors, Exemplar Coaches and Limousines, and Poseidon Sailaway, have renewed their commitment to the club for the 2012 yachting season.

As a result, the region’s premier yacht racing regatta, the Clipper Cup, staged in May in conjunction with Port Douglas Carnivale, will once again be named the Exemplar Clipper Cup in 2012.

Directors of Exemplar Coaches and Limousines, Gordon and Cheryl Wellham, said they had been proud sponsors of the Clipper Cup series over the past two years and once again were delighted the company was to sponsor the prestigious regatta in 2012.

Steve Edmondson of Poseidon and Sailaway said he was also proud to again be a part of the yachting calendar.

“We value our sponsorship of PDYC and the club championship series, and look forward to another year supporting the club and its sailing events,” Steve said.

There will also be some slight amendments to the season, with the Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship expanding to 24 races over three eight-race seasonal series, with each series to be run over a shorter period of time, making the racing more intense.

The Exemplar Clipper Cup is also to be trialed using a different format over five days instead of nine, to attract more competitors from further afield, with the club’s trophy races brought together under the banner of the Closehaven Marina Trophy Series, which will see eight of the club’s individual trophy races tallied together to create a Trophy Series Champion.

Radio Port Douglas has also confirmed its commitment to the yacht club for 2012 as sponsor of the club’s J24 Port FM Mais Oui and media partner.

PortFM owner, Michael Gabour, said Radio Port Douglas was thrilled to be a major sponsor.

“We have great confidence that PortFM Mais Oui will win the club championship and that the Port Douglas Yacht Club, an institution in this sailing town, will continue to go from strength to strength,” he said.

Coastline Graphics and Copy Shop has also made a commitment to support the club with printing and engraving services.

Mick Gwilliams, Rear Commodore of the Yacht Club, said the club was very happy to have its sponsors renew their commitment for 2012.

“2012 looks set to be another great year for the sailing community of Far North Queensland, thanks to the continued support of our valued sponsors,” he said.

The 2012 season of sailing gets underway on January 28 with a double-header to open the Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship Summer Series.

Anyone wishing to become involved in the sport of yacht racing can contact the club on 4099 4386 or email  pdy@portdouglasyachtclub.com.au

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