Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Entries in the Rating Passage division at Jeanneau and 74 Islands Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) are on the rise, so the competition the 38th running of the regatta, to be held from 6-13 August is looking stronger than it has for years.
So far 14 owners are locked in for the Rating Passage division at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) annual event.
Six days of racing, where the competition ratches up a notch on some of the most scenic waters in the world, will be complemented by seven nights of entertainment organised by Whitsunday Sailing Club. There will be food stalls and live music every night, starting on opening night following registration – so come and join the party!
Returning from 7 to 10 August, come and enjoy a free coffee at the Ronstan Coffee Cart and a chance to try an Orbit Winch. Another popular return is Friday Night Movies in the Park for the whole family, starting at 5pm.
Lay Day offers many options. Join the Thomsons from Ocean Crusaders for their annual Clean Up to help keep local waters pristine. Those taking part will go out on Ocean Rafting’s high speed big RIB and will be dropped off along shore line around Double Cones and Armitarea of islands.
“The rubbish - we collected over 380 kilos last year - gets put on Ocean Crusaders’ barge. We go pretty much from 8am to1pm, then it’s back to the Club (WSC) for a barbecue,” says Ian Thomson, who has long organised such events at major races and events he and Annika compete in.
Those who would like to take part in this worthwhile Lay Day clean up, sponsored by www.boatnames.com.au, can book at: www.oceancrusaders.org/events
Or join in the 74 Islands Distillery Long Lunch at Elementa Whitsundays. It is an exclusive three-hour extravaganza with canapés and beverages, live entertainment amid stunning Coral Sea views. See the official website to book and look at other fun things to do on Lay Day.
On the final night is the Presentation Dinner (a ticketed event with bookings online) followed by fireworks and music from Viva Band to close out another memorable year.
Contributed with thanks to Di Pearson.
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