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airlie beach Race Week

10 DAYS / cat 5 sailing REGATTA

Overview

Airlie Beach Race Week is one of Australia’s most exciting and scenic regattas, bringing together competitive offshore sailing and a laid-back tropical atmosphere. Held out of Coral Sea Marina in the heart of the Whitsundays, this week-long event delivers six days of spectacular island racing through turquoise waters, with a lively lay day mid-week to soak up the sunshine, enjoy local festivities, and unwind. With over 120 yachts competing each year—ranging from cruising divisions to high-performance race boats—Airlie Beach Race Week combines thrilling on-water action with unforgettable shoreside fun.

Join the race crew aboard Awen, our high-performance IMOCA Open 60 and former round-the-world racing yacht, for a week of high-adrenaline sailing. Led by Olympic and Volvo Ocean Race sailor Sharon Ferris-Choat—who brings world speed record experience and elite-level racing skill—you’ll be in expert hands whether you're an experienced racer or eager to learn. Following our 1st place finish in the Hamilton Island Race Week Blue Division in 2024, we’re returning to the Whitsundays in 2025 for more big breeze, competitive starts, and fast tactical racing in paradise.

Each day features a different racecourse weaving between the islands, showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays and delivering a mix of downwind legs, tight mark roundings, and strategic challenges. Off the water, Airlie Beach comes alive with regatta events, live music, and waterfront dining, making it a social highlight of the Australian sailing calendar. Whether you're chasing silverware or sailing for the thrill of it, Airlie Beach Race Week is an unforgettable experience both on and off the water.

regatta Description

Participating in the Airlie Beach Race Week, a premier yachting event set in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsunday Islands of Australia, is an exhilarating experience that combines competitive sailing with the stunning beauty of one of the world's most idyllic sailing destinations. From trailer yachts to 100 foot super maxis, Airlie Beach Race Week is one of Australia's major yachting regattas each year.

The experience begins with the vibrant atmosphere at Airlie Beach, the event's hub, where sailors from around the globe gather. The Central Queensland town buzzes with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of camaraderie unique to the sailing community. As the yachts prepare to set sail, there’s a flurry of activity on deck – checking equipment, going over strategies, and final briefings. The air is electric with anticipation, with crews ready to face the challenge of the races ahead.

As the race commences, the adrenaline rush is palpable. Onboard the yacht, every team member plays a crucial role. The skipper navigates through the course, making split-second decisions based on wind, currents, and the positions of rival yachts. The tactician's voice cuts through the sound of the wind, providing vital input to navigate the race course strategically. The crew works seamlessly, adjusting sails, grinding winches, and maneuvering the yacht with precision. The teamwork is a dance of coordinated movements, honed through practice and a deep understanding of each other's roles.

Sailing around the Whitsunday Islands during the race is a visual spectacle. The azure waters, dotted with islands of various sizes, create a breathtaking backdrop. The islands, with their lush greenery and pristine beaches, offer a stunning contrast to the sleek, high-tech yachts slicing through the water. The course takes sailors close to these islands, providing an up-close view of their natural beauty.

The challenge of racing is interspersed with moments of awe. Dolphins occasionally race alongside the yachts, and the sight of a whale breaching in the distance is not uncommon. The varying wind conditions around the islands add to the challenge, requiring constant adjustments and vigilance.

As the yachts cross the finish line each day, the sense of achievement is overwhelming, regardless of the position. Back on shore, the evenings are filled with celebrations, stories of the day's sailing, and the camaraderie that is a hallmark of the sailing community. The event is not just about the competition but also about celebrating the sport of sailing in one of the most beautiful settings on earth.

Racing at Airlie Beach Race Week is more than just a sailing event; it's an immersive experience that combines the thrill of competitive racing with the stunning natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands. It's a testament to the skill of the sailors and the enduring allure of this magnificent part of the world.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: Use of safety equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Race planning: Planning our race strategy on a daily basis based on weather, selected course, hazards and currents.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Extra reading

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Review sailing calendar for all events