Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is thrilled to announce naming rights sponsors, Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay to 2024’s Airlie Beach Race Week!
Organisers are thrilled to have already received 60 registrations for the 36th annual event, signifying it will be another vibrant regatta this year.
Ocean Dynamics is a perfectly aligned sponsor, the family run luxury charter business demonstrating a love for the ocean and all its vessels.
Carolyn Lewis, director of Ocean Dynamics said, “I am excited to be partnering with the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Mount Gay for Airlie Beach Race Week 2024.
“The Lewis family are avid sailors and boating enthusiasts who have competed at Race Week many times in the last 20 years. This year, we look forward to seeing competitors on the water from the spectator and photography vessels,” Lewis said.
As part of the package, Ocean Dynamics will provide a special spectator vessel for a minimum of three days of the week-long race, for a Whitehaven Beach trip, plus a special competitors’ satchel bag for each boat.
Competitors and volunteers will receive a cap each, with special giveaways in competitor bags and special bottles of Mount Gay rum awarded at the official prizegiving.
“Mount Gay Rum is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Airlie Beach Race Week, solidifying our commitment to the vibrant sailing community of Australia.
“As one of the most esteemed and picturesque sailing events in the country, it perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that Mount Gay Rum stands for,” said Stefano Redo, Mount Gay Australia Brand Manager.
Whitsunday Sailing Club, which last year unveiled its new clubhouse and facilities, has made major changes this year and Club President Terry Archer said he is thrilled to welcome new competitors and visitors to the new premises.
“We’ve also put together a new regatta team with a mix of volunteers and club staff to fine-tune the great regatta that we’ve been organising for the past 36 years. This team has achieved amazing results.
“We’ve also launched a new website where prospective competitors can enter online and download the Notice of Race,” Archer ended.
Among entries already received is Paul Mitchell’s Extreme 40, Ullman Sails. The Airlie local is one of the most prolific winners (including last year) and he is a continuing support sponsor of the regatta with Ullman Sails.
Mitchell says, “You have to support your local club and event where you can.”
Mitchell keeps busy between family, work and sailing: “I’m taking my boat to Brisbane for the Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta, then I’m doing a J/70 regatta in Italy in June and then Airlie Beach Race Week,” says the sailor who will also contest the J/70 State and National Championships in Victoria in November.
He says of Race Week, “I like racing at home, it’s easy and the competition is always good in the multis.”
With limited marina berthing available, WSC urges prospective competitors to get in early.
By Di Pearson/WSC media
A lot of changes at ABRW this year but the beautiful scenery and great racing remain
Nothing rivals sailing at ABRW
The scene at ABRW this year will include red Mount Gay caps on heads
Photo Credit: Andrea Francolini and Vampp PhotographyJPG
