Magnetic Island's fledgling sailing club received a big boost recently when two16 foot Cobra cat (catamarans) were donated to the club by soon-to-depart-our-shores, Suzanne Slegers and her now departed (to Iceland) partner Valberg Larusson.

Suz and Val have donated one catamaran "Eldskirn"and another (under repair) to the Club and the Club's spokesperson, Stewart Kininmonth told Magnetic Times, "We are really delighted with this generous donation by Suz and Valberg. They will be great for training people in catamarans which can be very fast and exciting." he said

Suz, who is making the big move next week to be with Valberg at the very other end of the world, told Magnetic Times, "We thought it was such a great idea to get a sailing club going on Magnetic Island and if the wider community can donate more to add to what's been started then Island kids and families can really benefit," adding, "I think it will become one of those great Island activities"

Stewart Kininmonth went on to say, "We are also hoping soon to have a number of training dinghies which the Townsville Sailing Club (parent club) is helping us purchase but the right ones are not so easy to find." Stewart will, once the boats are ready, be conducting lessons in sailing with local salt Daniel Daniels.

The Club will meet next at Horseshoe Bay Boat Ramp between 9am and 12 noon on 28 Sept or at Nelly Bay beach if the northerly is blowing.

The boats have a strong sentimental link for Suz and Valberg who met two years ago when Valberg had capsized in one in Horseshoe Bay. Suz and her brother-in-law swam out to see if the Icelandic sailor was OK. He certainly was after that day.