All Sails Ahead this Race Week

Photo credit: Andrea Francolini.

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Sails once again filled the Whitsundays horizon as Airlie Beach Race Week returned for its 38th running, bringing crews from across Australia and beyond together for six days of racing around the islands.

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The week got underway on Friday for race day one with a spectacle in Pioneer Bay, as boats from across the divisions lined up along two start lines before setting off on the Double Cones race in 12 to 18-knot winds.

From aboard the spectator boat, the crowd behind Race Week was just as clear, with people of all ages coming together to cheer on their teams. Families had travelled from the Gold Coast, New Zealand, France and further afield, with generations sharing the experience. There was even one very young supporter, with a baby aboard to support their dad for their first Race Week.  

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Among the early winners was Team Hollywood, which took out IRC Division 1, while Road Runner claimed Division 2 and Don’t Panic! started its week with a win in Trailable & Sports Boat Division 1.

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The breeze picked up on Saturday for race day two, with winds pushing beyond 20 knots and crews sent south through the Whitsunday Passage.  

Team Hollywood backed up its opening victory with another win in IRC Rating Division 1, while Smooth Criminal took out Performance Racing. Across the multihulls, Ullman Sails claimed Division 0, Oceans Tribute topped Division 1 and G’Nome came home first in Division 3.

Sunday changed up the pace with a lighter 10 to 15-knot sea breeze, and with the added sunshine, made for very pleasant sailing around the islands. Local boats Reignition and Corrobboree were among the day’s winners, while Don’t Panic! made it three from three heading into Monday’s lay day.

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There has been plenty happening off the water too, with the Whitsunday Sailing Club packed throughout the opening days as sailors join locals and visitors on land for live music, food, drinks and the daily award presentations.

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Ash Smith, The Fox and the Two Fires tribute show having all taken to the stage, while Monday’s Lay Day gave everyone a little more time to enjoy Airlie Beach.

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Monday’s Lay Day gave crews a day off from racing, with some sailors and visitors stepping aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455 at a more leisure pace on the water. The afternoon continued at Elementa Whitsundays, where the 74 Islands Distillery Changing Courses Lunch was a perfect opportunity to kick-back during an off day.  

Crews returned from Lay Day on Tuesday rested and ready, with some of the closest racing of the week unfolding through the Molles Passage. Hooligan edged Ullman Sails by just 14 seconds in Multihull Division 0, while local G’Nome took out Multihull Division 2 to move one point ahead of Intrigue overall.

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Tuesday also carried a special moment of remembrance for prominent Australian yachtsman Gordon Ketelbey, who passed away on July 31. Competitors were asked to wear black on the water, while the crew of My Way laid flowers into the sea in honour of their friend and fellow sailor.

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Racing will continue through Wednesday and Thursday, rounding out six days on the water and bringing another Airlie Beach Race Week to a close, with crews wrapping up the 38th edition of the beloved Whitsundays regatta.  

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See more photos here: Photo Credit: Vampp Photography www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/good-times-on-and-off-the-water

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