On The Inlet, one of Port Douglas' most popular restaurants, has closed for repairs after the sails covering their stunning eating area succumbed to the winds of Cyclone Yasi.

On The Inlet manager Michaela Newton said little could be done to prevent the damage.

"Even though everyone says "why don't you bring the sails down?" we don't have enough room to store sails if we bring them down so we loosen them to let the airflow through and hope for the best.

"The sail over the bar and the main sail over the dining deck both suffered quite extensive damage. There's a whole system that interlinks it all and they're all damaged.

"Every light fitting and every fan needs to be replaced because they've all been full of water. Hopefully we'll be up and operating within the next two weeks. We'll aim to open as soon as possible to get the staff working."

Early estimates put the damage at around $20,000. Management will take the opportunity to spruce up the restaurant by repainting the kitchen and oil the extensive deck.

Regular On The Inlet visitor George the Groper won't go hungry though. Staff are continuing to feed the huge fish every two or three days.

Sail damage was also experienced on the Sunset Balcony at the offices of tourismportdouglas.com.au and The Newsport with damage estimated at over $12,000.