Young Skipper Chasing Race Week Success

Competing in his 8th Airlie Beach Race Week, local apprentice sailmaker Jesse Frisch will return this year as a skipper and co-owner of his own sports boat, chasing an even stronger result in his second year at the helm.  

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The annual regatta is set to challenge and bring together some of Airlie Beach’s most experienced sailors. For Jesse Frisch, the race has become an annual event.  

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“Yeah, it’s very exciting,” Jesse said.  

“I’m just hoping everything gets put together right and everything goes well for the week.”  

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Jesse was first introduced to sailing at the age of nine by his father, before competing in his first regatta two years later, an experience that hasn’t seen him miss a race week since.  

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That passion soon extended beyond the water. Jesse began volunteering sailmaking at Ullmans Sails’ Whitsunday loft at 13 before starting a school-based apprenticeship at 16, where he turned his love of the sport into a career.

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Having stepped into a skipper role last year, Jesse said the responsibility of leading the crew has given him a new appreciation for the sport, with communication and preparation becoming just as important as performance on the water.

After battling challenging conditions in last year's regatta, the team has spent months repairing the boat, building new sails and preparing for another campaign. With a more experienced crew returning this year, Jesse is hopeful they can build on last year's result.

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“Very windy regatta and very challenging conditions,” Jesse said.

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“Just trying to keep the boat upright was the biggest part of the boat regatta.

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“We came out with a pretty good result, but this year, hopefully we can take it a step further.”  

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What: Airlie Beach Race Week

Where: Airlie Beach, Whitsundays Sailing Club  

When: August 6th to 13th, 2026

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