Sailing Action Continues On Hamilton Island

Photo credits: Salty Dingo.  

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Hamilton Island Race Week has hit the Whitsunday waters in full force, with heavy winds and tight racing setting the tone across the opening days of the iconic regatta.

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Now in its 41st edition, the week-long event has welcomed more than 1,200 sailors across 194 boats from Australia and overseas, blowing last year's fleet of 145 boats out of the water.  

“With entries across a diverse range of classes, we're looking forward to welcoming competitors from around Australia and overseas for another outstanding Hamilton Island Race Week,” Race Director Denis Thompson said in a Hamilton Island Race Week article ahead of the event.

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Racing officially got underway on Sunday 16th August, beginning six days of competition around Hamilton Island and through the Whitsunday passages.

The action began on Sunday with the Around the Islands Race, as trade winds topping 25 knots and with less than steady conditions, crews were immediately tested with what the Whitsundays could throw at them.

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Skipper Steve Girdis led the field in the 22-boat Trailer Yacht fleet, while Mark Spring and his young crew aboard Highly Sprung fought back from a difficult start to claim the opening win in IRC Rating Division One. Viva La Vida took out Hamilton Island Blue, while John Whitbread’s Kerb topped Hamilton Island Pink.

“It was so much fun, and what made it especially special was having four Girdises on board, plus one honorary family member,” Girdis said.  

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The wind showed no signs of easing on Monday, with another demanding day on the water tightening the standings across several divisions.

Miyu took victory on both EHC and OMR handicaps to move into the Multihull Racing lead, while Wild Thing claimed line honours and a handicap win in Hamilton Island Blue, finishing just 25 seconds ahead of Caol Ila on corrected time.

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“From there, we had a spinnaker run into the finish with 22 knots blowing through the passage,” Team Hollywood tactician David Chapman said.

“The finish was probably the best part of the day.”

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Tuesday brought rougher conditions to waters, with fresh trade winds and passing rain squalls challenging sailors during the Nautilus Marine Insurance Classic, Race Week’s premier long and medium-distance race day.  

Wild Oats X claimed its first IRC win of the week in Rating Division One, while Highly Sprung continued its strong form with a third consecutive TPR victory.

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Wednesday gave crews a break from racing for the traditional lay day, with the Balter Lay Day Beach Party taking over Catseye Beach as the action shifted on shore.

It was one of several ways Race Week has stretched beyond the water, alongside a Whitehaven Beach cruise aboard superyacht Rascal, the Race Day Long Lunch overlooking Dent Passage and a sit-down with sailors Olivia Price and Cole Tapper.

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With Race Week heading into its final stretch, racing continues on Friday and Saturday, with the Presentation Dinner bringing the 41st edition of the regatta to a close on Saturday night.

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