New Leaders Emerge Ahead of Hamilton Island Race Week Finale
21 August
The penultimate day of racing at Hamilton Island Race Week presented by American Express provided everything needed to set up an iconic finish for the 41st event.
Rating Division 1 belonged to Peter White’s First Light under IRC, with back-to-back victories moving the team into a two-point series lead heading into the final day.
Sandy Oatley’s Wild Oats X recorded a second and a third to sit second overall on 11 points, with Mark Spring’s Highly Sprung third on 13. Robert Kelly’s Virago finished third and second to move into fourth overall on 15 points.
Under TPR scoring, Highly Sprung recorded a second place to strengthen its series lead. Virago secured the win for the day.
With the first discard now applied, Highly Sprung leads the TPR standings on six points, four clear of Gusto on 10, with Virago third on 11.
Bruce McCracken’s Ikon remains untouchable in Rating Division 2, adding another victory to extend its perfect scorecard to six wins from six races. With the first discard applied, Ikon leads on the minimum possible score of five points.
David Hamilton’s Seeking Alpha recorded a second place to remain second overall on 12 points, with Paul Arns and Geoff Bishop’s Obsession third on 14. Ian Box’s Toybox2 finished third for the day.
Super 40+ produced three different winners across its scoring systems on Day Five.
Raymond Roberts’ Team Hollywood maintained its perfect IRC scorecard, claiming a fifth consecutive win. Don’t Panic finished second, with Fomo third. After the discard, Team Hollywood leads on four points, ahead of Fomo on nine and Celestial on 14.
Under SFR, Ari Abrahams’ Fargo took the win ahead of Peter Higgins’ Black Sparrow and Team Hollywood. Black Sparrow retains the series lead on six points, while Fargo and Team Hollywood are tied on nine, with Fargo second on countback.
Sam Haynes’ Celestial won under ORC AP, ahead of Team Hollywood and Black Sparrow. Celestial leads those standings on four points, with Team Hollywood second on eight and Black Sparrow third on nine.
Hamilton Island Blue has a new leader heading into the final day, with Walter Carpenter’s Caol Ila finishing third today to move to the top of the standings on 17 points.
Grant Wharington’s Wild Thing 100 finished 10th, dropping to second overall, just one point behind on 18. Ben Davidson’s Sea Fever placed second to climb to third overall on countback from David Beck’s Journey, with both boats on 27 points.
Ryan Hardy’s Delta Lady claimed the Day Five race win.
In Multihull Racing, Troy Forrest’s Mint won under OMR ahead of Terry Robinson’s Miyu and Mike Peberdy’s Rare Groove. Miyu continues to lead the OMR standings on seven points, with Mint second on 13 and Rare Groove third on 19.
Under EHC, Stuart Cox’s Cut Snake claimed a second consecutive race win, ahead of Mint and Rare Groove. Mint has moved into the series lead on 17 points, with Gordon Beath’s Roamance second on 19 and Miyu third on 20.
Hamilton Island Pink remains exceptionally close heading into the final day. Peter Russell’s Vincitore won today’s race ahead of Bill Kidman’s Pretty Boy Floyd and Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Vixen Racing.
Jennifer and Brenton Carnell’s Phoenix49 continues to lead on 24 points, but John Whitbread’s Kerb is only one point behind on 25, with Cam Rae’s Crusader third on 26.
Phoenix49 co-skipper Jennifer Carnell said the varied conditions had made for an exciting and incredibly close week, with just two points separating her boat from fellow Geelong entry Crusader, skippered by Cam Rae.
“It’s been windy, crazy and awesome. We need the wind, but some of it has been pretty wild when the fronts hit. It is so close at the top and has become a real battle of the Geelong boats,” Carnell said.
The Phoenix49 team cruised north for two weeks before spending several days at Whitehaven Beach, then transformed the boat from cruising mode to racing mode for Hamilton Island Race Week.
“We’ll be away from home for three months, and it has been awesome. We had three or four beautiful days at Whitehaven before changing the boat over from cruising to racing for Hamilton Island.
“Evie Macdonald and Grace Hooper came to us as juniors and I just love having them onboard. They’re now 20 and 21 and have been sailing with us for three or four years. Watching them evolve and grow has been awesome. My nephew Fletch is 24 and he’s our navigator, so we have a great young group onboard.”
John Foster’s Xscape claimed the Hamilton Island Yellow race win to open a seven-point lead heading into the final day.
David Lamond’s Adela X finished second and sits second overall on 28 points. Danielle Fraser’s Jac Hoi completed today’s top three.
Stratacare Racing Bluebottle and Brand X are tied on 29 points in third and fourth, with Stratacare Racing Bluebottle ahead on countback.
Hamilton Island Orange also has a new leader, with Mark Tobin’s C’est La Vie moving to the top of the standings on 34 points. Paul King’s Nautilass and Derek Minihane’s Impulse are tied on 37 points in second and third.
Ian Coombes’ Fontana claimed its second consecutive race win, ahead of Arnaud Rabatel’s Blue and John Bashford’s Recherche.
In Hamilton Island Green, Gary Davison’s Solaire won ahead of BJ Davison’s Ruthless and Phil Farrands’ Moderation.
Neil Young’s Carbontest.au retains the overall lead on 22.5 points, but Solaire has closed to within 1.5 points on 24. Carl Nicholls’ Bonaventure is third on 25.5, leaving the top three separated by just three points.
Non-Spinnaker Black and White produced another change at the top, with Mark Miller’s Namadgi 3 now leading on 22 points. Chris Haskard’s Me & Mrs Jones is second on 25, with Geoff Adams’ Rampallion third on 27.
Glenn Myler’s Thylacine One won today’s race ahead of Rampallion and Dominic Pagliaro’s Scarborough.
In Non-Spinnaker Grey, Graeme Trewavis’ Asadori took the race win ahead of Jack Thomas’ Tashtego and Louise Cotter’s Bella Luca.
Bigger Day Out and Maritimo 100 are tied at the top of the series on 22 points, with Bigger Day Out leading on countback. Firefox remains third on 29 points.
David Freedman’s Maximum Limit won the Trailable Yachts race to take over the series lead on 24 points. Jack Felsenthal’s Charter World Yachting Holidays is second on 28, with Simon Morris’ Offshore Account third on 31 after finishing second today. Tom Vujasinovic’s Masquerade completed the Day Five top three.
All Race Week details are available at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Race Week is proudly presented by American Express, with the support of Premium Partners Ahoy Club, AVPartners, Carlton & United Breweries, Diageo, Nautilus Marine Insurance and Volvo Cars, Official Automotive Partner, alongside Event Partners Charles Heidsieck, Dufour, Kylie Minogue Wines, Panerai, Piper-Heidsieck, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing and Saya Skincare, and Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland.
Prix d’Elegance Headlines Day Four of Hamilton Island Race Week
20 August
From Top Gun and A Clockwork Orange to Moana, The Little Mermaid, superheroes, X-rays and plenty more, the docks at Hamilton Island were transformed this morning for the much-loved Prix d’Elegance.
An incredible turnout saw crews enthusiastically embrace both the Best Presented Yacht and Best Themed Yacht categories, delivering one of the most colourful starts to a day at Hamilton Island Race Week. The winners will be announced at the official presentation evening on Saturday.
Once the costumes were packed away, attention returned to the water, with another beautiful Whitsundays breeze greeting the fleet for Day Four.
Most divisions raced around White Rock, while Rating Divisions 1 and 2 completed two windward-leeward races in the Eastern starting area.
Rating Division 1 delivered a close contest across two windward-leeward races, with Peter White’s First Light recording a second and a win under IRC to take the overall lead on countback. Sandy Oatley’s Wild Oats X won the opening race before finishing second in the next, leaving the two boats tied on 17 points at the top of the IRC standings.
Just one point separates the next three boats, with Mark Spring’s Highly Sprung third overall, ahead of Lee Hawksley’s Gusto and Robert Kelly’s Virago, all on 18 points.
Under TPR scoring, Gusto won the opening race before Highly Sprung claimed the second. Highly Sprung leads the series on 10 points, one point clear of Gusto, with Virago third on 15 points.
Rating Division 2 belonged once again to Bruce McCracken’s Ikon, which added another two race wins to maintain a perfect scorecard of five victories from five starts.
Ikon skipper Bruce McCracken credited his family team for the boat’s perfect scorecard so far.
“This is our fifth Race Week, coming up from Victoria, and the team just has the boat going so well. We’re challenging for Boat of the Week? That is excellent news.
“Hopefully we can continue to race well over the rest of the regatta. Our family team is really enjoying sailing together.”
Seeking Alpha recorded a second and third to remain second overall on 13 points, one point ahead of Paul Arns and Geoff Bishop’s Obsession. Kate Leeson and Garth Riley’s Wazza Red Boat finished second in the final race of the day.
Raymond Roberts’ Team Hollywood continued its unbeaten run under IRC in Super 40+, claiming a fourth consecutive victory to lead the standings on four points. Fomo finished second to remain second overall on nine points, while Sam Haynes’ Celestial took third and holds the same position in the series.
Team Hollywood also won today’s race under SFR scoring, ahead of Peter Higgins’ Black Sparrow and Ari Abrahams’ Fargo. Black Sparrow continues to lead the SFR standings on six points, with Team Hollywood second on 12 and Fargo third on 14.
Terry Robinson’s Miyu strengthened its grip on Multihull Racing with another win under OMR, leading the series on five points ahead of Troy Forrest’s Mint on 12. Under EHC scoring, Stuart Cox’s Cut Snake won today’s race ahead of Mike Peberdy’s Rare Groove and Jeff Dodd’s Zero. Miyu continues to lead the EHC standings on 13 points, with Gordon Beath’s Roamance and Mint tied on 15.
In Hamilton Island Blue, Grant Wharington’s Wild Thing 100 continued its strong week with a second place today, maintaining the overall lead on eight points after four races.
John Kint’s Bundaberg claimed the race win, with Patrick Allaway’s Pegasus completing the top three.
Walter Carpenter’s Caol Ila sits second overall on 14 points, with Barry Parkin’s Viva La Vida third on 17 points.
Hamilton Island Pink produced a new race winner, with Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Vixen Racing taking the victory ahead of Xcapade and Phoenix49.
“It was a course that finally suited Vixen. We had a couple of reaches in there and, double-headed, she just lit up. Fully water-ballasted, an awesome crew, and we sent it. It was awesome,” Ferris-Choat said.
Among the crew was Bob “Cyclone Bob” Stuart, who competed in the inaugural Hamilton Island Race Week in 1984.
“We’ve got a 69-year age difference across the crew, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we have one of the youngest and one of the oldest sailors here. Bob’s experience is definitely coming through, and his top tips are always there.
“That is what is so cool about sailing. We have that age range, men and women sailing together, and then we go out and win the race. They’re all legends.”
Brenton and Jennifer Carnell’s Phoenix49 continues to lead the series on 13 points, with John Whitbread’s Kerb and Cam Rae’s Crusader tied on 18 points in second and third.
In Hamilton Island Orange, Ian Coombes’ Fontana won today’s race ahead of Peter Driml’s Oscar Too and Phil Dressler’s Ca Va. Paul King’s Nautilass remains at the top of the standings on 21 points, five points clear of Derek Minihane’s Impulse, with Mark Tobin’s C’est La Vie third on 27 points.
Tony Hammond’s Knot A Diamond claimed the Hamilton Island Green race win, ahead of Billy Davis’ Wings 12 and Neil Young’s Carbontest.au. Carbontest.au holds a commanding overall lead on 9.5 points, with Wings 12 second on 18 and Carl Nicholls’ Bonaventure third on 20.5.
Hamilton Island Yellow remains incredibly tight, with James Ohare’s Stratacare Racing Bluebottle and John Foster’s Xscape tied at the top of the standings on 20 points. David Lamond’s Adela X won today’s race ahead of Xscape and Simon Wilde’s Akubra. Julian Bell’s 51st Project and Greg Brand’s Brand X are also tied, sitting third and fourth overall on 23 points.
In Non-Spinnaker Black and White, Dominic Pagliaro’s Scarborough won today’s race ahead of Glenn Myler’s Thylacine One and Chris Haskard’s Me & Mrs Jones. Me & Mrs Jones leads the series on countback from Mark Miller’s Namadgi 3, with both boats on 17 points.
Remco Pen’s Bigger Day Out took the Non-Spinnaker Grey victory, ahead of Bill Barry-Cotter’s Maritimo 100 and Melanie Curry’s Alwyn. Maritimo 100 continues to lead the division with four consecutive second places and a series score of eight points, with Bigger Day Out second on 18 and Graham Williams’ Firefox third on 21.
The Trailable Yachts produced another shake-up, with Simon Morris’ Offshore Account winning today’s race ahead of Stephen Napret’s Happy Wanderer and Steve Oakley’s Wild Honey. Stephen Girdis’ +GST and Jack Felsenthal’s Charter World Yachting Holidays are tied at the top of the standings on 21 points, with +GST leading on countback. Ian Bowles’ Resin Up and David Freedman’s Maximum Limit are also tied on 23 points in third and fourth.
In Multihull Hamilton Island Black, Bryan Bailie’s Ocean Serenity took the race win ahead of Daniel Seldon’s Quantum and Bruce McKay’s The Straycat. Quantum leads the series on eight points, just one point clear of The Straycat, with Ocean Serenity third on 14.
Andrew Bruce’s Fruition won the Multihull Hamilton Island White race ahead of Matthew Caldwell’s Quickstep and Allan Leach’s Selkie. Fruition leads the overall standings on 11 points, with Stephen Leonard’s Sea Dragon second on 16 and Quickstep third on 17.
With two days of racing remaining, the battles across the fleet are tightening, leaving plenty still to be decided before the final race and official presentation evening on Saturday.
All Race Week details are available at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Race Week is proudly presented by American Express, with the support of Premium Partners Ahoy Club, AVPartners, Carlton & United Breweries, Diageo, Nautilus Marine Insurance and Volvo Cars, Official Automotive Partner, alongside Event Partners Charles Heidsieck, Dufour, Kylie Minogue Wines, Panerai, Piper-Heidsieck, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing and Saya Skincare, and Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland.
Full Send in the Southerly at Hamilton Island Race Week
18 August
Day three of Hamilton Island Race Week presented by American Express delivered the full Whitsundays racing experience, with more big breeze, passing rain squalls and plenty of ups and downs as the fleet charged into the Nautilus Marine Classic races.
The spectacular procession north from Dent Passage quickly became an action-packed test of crews and equipment, as shifting visibility and fresh trade winds kept more than 1,200 sailors on the edge of their gunwales for most of the day.
The mix of courses across divisions served up intersections, crosses and action. There were battles throughout all the way around the course and back into Dent Passage to the finish line.
Sandy Oatley’s Wild Oats X broke through for its first IRC win of the week in Rating Division 1 by a decisive 6 minute margin on corrected time, ahead of Mark Spring’s Highly Sprung and Lee Hawksley’s Gusto.
Wild Oats X navigator Alice Tarnawski described today’s Nautilus Marine Classic Race as one of her most enjoyable days on the water.
“Today was awesome. It was one of the most fun days of sailing I’ve ever had,” Tarnawski said.
“We had a ripping start down Dent Passage, raced all the way up to the rock to the south and then sent it home under spinnaker. It was a wet, windy and wild run, and just so much fun.”
“We love it when it is windy. These are the conditions Wild Oats X performs well in, especially when we’re racing against highly competitive 52-foot boats.”
Highly Sprung continued its impressive consistency, taking a third consecutive TPR victory to remain undefeated and retain the overall lead. The team also leads the IRC standings after three races, with Gusto sitting second overall under both rating systems.
In Rating Division 2, Bruce McCraken’s IKON maintained a perfect scorecard, claiming its third consecutive IRC victory to lead the division overall.
Seeking Alpha recorded its best result of the week with second place, while Paul Arns and Geoff Bishop’s Obsession finished third to retain second overall, one point ahead of Seeking Alpha.
Team Hollywood maintained its perfect IRC scorecard in Super 40+, with Raymond Roberts’ crew claiming a third consecutive victory to lead the division overall. Black Sparrow finished second on IRC, with FOMO third and holding second overall.
Under SFR, Peter Higgins’ Black Sparrow secured its second consecutive win to strengthen its overall lead. Team Hollywood placed second to move into second overall, while Touche42 completed the day’s top three.
In Hamilton Island Blue, Grant Wharington’s Wild Thing 100 claimed its second consecutive win to move into the overall lead, just one point ahead of Walter Carpenter’s consistently performing Caol Ila.
David Gotze’s Triton finished third for its best result since the opening day, moving level on points with third-placed Viva La Vida in the overall standings.
Hamilton Island Pink delivered another shake-up, with Mark Beale’s Bobby’s Girl bouncing back from a difficult opening two days to claim the Race 3 win. Cam Rae’s Crusader finished second, with John Whitbread’s KERB third.
Wayne Millar’s ZOE retains the overall lead by just one point from KERB, with Phoenix49 another point behind in third as the battle at the top continues to tighten.
Hamilton Island Yellow produced plenty of movement, with Scott Robertson’s Banter rebounding from sixth place yesterday to claim the Race 3 win. Danielle Fraser’s Jac Hoi also staged a strong comeback to finish second, while Cyan Moon secured third after two 13th-place results.
James Ohare’s Stratacare Racing Bluebottle remains the overall leader, three points clear of Banter, with 51st Project one point further back in third.
Hamilton Island Orange delivered the day’s biggest game of snakes and ladders. Derek Minihane’s Impulse claimed the win to jump from fourth into the overall lead, tied on 12 points with Tim Lewis and Jim Milledge’s Charm Offensive, which finished third today.
Paul King’s Nautilass bounced back from 10th to finish second and now sits just one point off the lead, while yesterday’s winner Calendar Girl slipped to 12th and dropped to sixth overall. With three different winners from three races, Orange remains wide open.
Carl Nicholls’ Bonaventure claimed the win in Hamilton Island Green, with Minnow bouncing back from ninth yesterday to take second ahead of Neil Young’s Carbontest.au.
Carbontest.au remains the overall leader after three consistently strong results, three points clear of Bonaventure, with Andrew McConaghy’s Dragonfly holding third.
In Non-Spinnaker Black and White, Renee Cordingley’s Bella Due made it two wins from two races to lead the division overall. Mark Miller’s Namadgi 3 finished second to move into second overall on countback from Me & Mrs Jones, which placed third.
Non-Spinnaker Grey delivered a dramatic turnaround for Joan Ellen, with Jack Hennessy’s crew bouncing back from a retirement yesterday to claim today’s win. Bill Barry-Cotter’s Maritimo 100 recorded a second consecutive second place to take the overall lead, while Firefox finished third.
Terry Robinson’s Miyu continued its strong run in Multihull Racing, taking the Race 3 win on OMR and finishing second on EHC. The result keeps Miyu at the top of both overall standings after three races.
Gordon Beath’s Roamance claimed the day’s EHC victory and placed third on OMR, moving into second overall on EHC, while Graham Catley’s CAT+ION sits second overall on OMR.
In Hamilton Island Multihull Black, Daniel Seldon’s Quantum claimed the Race 3 win to draw level with The Straycat at the top of the overall standings.
John Clifford’s Zikomo finished second and sits third overall, while Ocean Serenity completed the day’s top three. Bruce McKay’s The Straycat retains the overall lead on countback despite finishing fourth today.
Hamilton Island Multihull White delivered another major reshuffle, with Matthew Caldwell’s Quickstep bouncing back from eighth yesterday to claim the Race 3 win. Mick Hodgins’ Tao finished second, with Kevin Lord’s Vivacious third.
Despite placing sixth today, Stephen Leonard’s Sea Dragon retains the overall lead on countback from Andrew Bruce’s Fruition, with Tao just one point behind in third.
At the halfway point of the regatta, some teams will spend tomorrow’s lay day looking to maintain their momentum, while others search for the answers that could turn their week around on the water. Ashore, however, the Race Week fun is already operating at full capacity, with Front Street entertainment rolling into the night before tomorrow’s Balter Cerveza Lay Day Beach Party takes centre stage.
Across the 17 divisions there are no certainties meaning the action will be continuing until the last day’s racing on Saturday 22 August.
All Race Week details are available at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Race Week is proudly presented by American Express, with the support of Premium Partners Ahoy Club, AVPartners, Carlton & United Breweries, Diageo, Nautilus Marine Insurance and Volvo Cars, Official Automotive Partner, alongside Event Partners Charles Heidsieck, Dufour, Kylie Minogue Wines, Panerai, Piper-Heidsieck, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing and Saya Skincare, and Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland.
Consistency Counts as Race Week Battles Tighten
17 August
Strong trade winds continued for day two of Hamilton Island Race Week presented by American Express, with conditions building from yesterday and delivering another demanding day on the water.
More than 1,200 sailors raced in classic Whitsundays conditions on Monday 17 August, with several divisions already tightening and some of the leading boats separated by only seconds or a handful of points.
Racing was focused closer to Hamilton Island for the day, with fleets again split across the Dent and Eastern Passage start lines. The cruising divisions and trailable yachts started in Dent Passage, while the rating divisions started in Eastern Passage.
Miyu secured the day two victory on both EHC and OMR handicaps to move into the overall lead in Multihull Racing.
Robinson said the fresh conditions suited Miyu, with the team continuing to build confidence as the regatta progresses.
“It was pretty strong out there today and sailing into it was tough, but the boat handled the conditions really well. We were impressed with how well it tracked, and the result showed that,” Robinson said.
“We’re still dialling the boat in. We came here last year very underprepared, but a couple of regattas and three ocean races this year have prepared us much better for this Race Week.
“I don’t pretend to understand the handicapping, but these are our best results yet, so fingers crossed we can keep it going.”
In Hamilton Island Blue, Wild Thing moved to the top of the table with a line honours and handicap win. Just 25 seconds behind on corrected time was Walter Carpenter’s Caol Ila, leaving the two boats tied at the top overall.
In Division One, TP52s Highly Sprung, owned and helmed by Mark Spring, and Gusto, owned and helmed by Lee Hawksley, are sitting at the top on IRC and the TP52-specific TPR ratings.
In the Super40 Plus division, Greg Watson’s Touche42 from Southport Yacht Club is sitting at the top of the SFR rating, while Hamilton Island Race Week stalwart Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood has had a perfect start to the week with two wins on IRC.
Tactician David Chapman said a conservative sail choice helped keep the team in contention as the conditions shifted throughout the race.
“It wasn’t as windy as we expected, but we stayed conservative with the J4 and reached the top mark in good shape alongside the other 40-footers,” Chapman said.
“We all came downwind together before we passed Black Sparrow, then FOMO destroyed a spinnaker. Halfway between Pentecost and Hamilton Island, the breeze increased and shifted, so we had to jib reach back towards Hamilton Island.
“From there, we had a spinnaker run into the finish with 22 knots blowing through the passage. The finish was probably the best part of the day.”
In Rating Division Two, Bruce McCracken’s Ikon has laid down its marker as the boat to beat, sitting clear at the top. Across the Hamilton Island Pink and Yellow divisions, close finishes are reshuffling the standings, with Zoe, Phoenix49 and Kerb among those in the mix in Pink, and Stratcare Racing Bluebottle and 51st Project in Yellow.
In Hamilton Island Orange, just two points separate the top five boats. With 20 competitors, it is one of the largest divisions at Race Week and is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested of the regatta.
Racing continues tomorrow with the Nautilus Marine Classic races, with all fleets starting from Dent Passage. The spectacular parade of colour heading north is one of Hamilton Island Race Week’s must-see moments. Results are available daily at https://tes.topyacht.net.au/results/2026/hirw/index.htm.
All Race Week details are available at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Race Week is proudly presented by American Express, with the support of Premium Partners Ahoy Club, AVPartners, Carlton & United Breweries, Diageo, Nautilus Marine Insurance and Volvo Cars, Official Automotive Partner, alongside Event Partners Charles Heidsieck, Dufour, Kylie Minogue Wines, Panerai, Piper-Heidsieck, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing and Saya Skincare, and Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland.
Fresh trade winds make for a spectacular start to Hamilton Island Race Week 2026
16 August
The trade winds arrived in force for the first day of racing at Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, with over 25 knots of breeze and bumpy conditions giving sailors a serious workout in the Around the Islands Race.
The 22-boat Trailer Yacht fleet bravely took on the fresh trades close to Hamilton Island, a tough assignment for some of the smallest boats in the fleet.
+GST skipper Steve Girdis took the honours in the Trailer Yacht class with a family crew aboard. His crew included brother Michael, son Jordy, nephew Alex and his best mate Waldo.
“We had a fantastic day. It was so much fun, and what made it especially special was having four Girdises on board, plus one honorary family member,” Girdis said.
“We pulled it all together, and thankfully the course took us inshore when we were going upwind. It was brilliant fun and a great first day.”
Further north, racing around Lindeman Island in the IRC Rating Division 1, Mark Spring and his young crew fought back from a difficult start to take the opening-day win.
“We’re pretty happy. We’re absolutely pumped,” Spring said.
“We didn’t have a great start, but with a boat full of future rock stars, everyone locked in and got the job done.
“Six members of the team are under 25, and it is such a pleasure to watch them race.”
Viva La Vida, the fleet’s only US entry, took the honours in the Hamilton Island Blue Division, while John Whitbread’s Kerb won the hotly contested Hamilton Island Pink Division.
Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson said the first day had delivered the sort of conditions that make for memorable racing in the Whitsundays.
“We had a lovely trade wind of 20 to 25 knots. The rain cleared, the sun came out and it made for absolutely great sailing,” he said.
“Current is a big part of sailing here. You have to work the tides and make sure you are in the right place when they change.
“The race committee looks for courses that allow the fleet to carry the tide for as much of the race as possible or at least give them some assistance on the final leg home.
“We want to get everyone home smiling and in time for a beer.”
Racing continues tomorrow.
Now in its 41st edition, Hamilton Island Race Week, presented by American Express, brings together one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most diverse sailing fleets, from maxis, TP52s and multihulls to cruising yachts, sports boats and Trailable yachts.
Results are available daily at https://tes.topyacht.net.au/results/2026/hirw/index.htm.
All Race Week details are available at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Race Week is proudly presented by American Express, with the support of Premium Partners Ahoy Club, AVPartners, Carlton & United Breweries, Diageo, Nautilus Marine Insurance and Volvo Cars, Official Automotive Partner, alongside Event Partners Charles Heidsieck, Dufour, Kylie Minogue Wines, Panerai, Piper-Heidsieck, Revo, Robert Oatley Wines, Sail Racing and Saya Skincare, and Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland.
Fleet of close to 200 boats set for Hamilton Island Race Week’s 41st edition
11 August
The final countdown is on to Hamilton Island Race Week 2026, presented by American Express, with crews preparing to converge on the Whitsundays for the 41st edition of Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta.
The fleet currently stands at 194 entries, up from 145 boats in 2025, with sailors travelling from across Australia and overseas for a week of racing through the turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands.
Among those returning is Australian offshore sailor Stacey Jackson, who has switched to Touche 42 after Indigo II suffered rudder damage during the recent GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race.
“I’ve joined Touche 42 at the last minute. I’ve raced on the boat before, when she was Not a Diamond, but it’s a new team for me,” Jackson said.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting out there in what should be a very competitive Super 40 Plus class.”
Jackson first competed at Hamilton Island Race Week in the early 2000s and believes this year will be her 15th appearance at the regatta.
“I’ve genuinely lost count. Hamilton Island Race Week is so different to the tough offshore races, and that’s one of the reasons I love it,” Jackson said.
“You’re out there having a great day sailing in an amazing part of the world, but there are still plenty of challenges. You’ve got the navigation, the tides and the local breezes.”
Jackson arrives at Hamilton Island after a significant year. She sailed with Yacht Club de Monaco’s winning Admiral’s Cup team aboard Jolt, then joined the crew of The Famous Project CIC, which in January set the women’s reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy course. The voyage made Jackson the fastest Australian, male or female, to complete a non-stop circumnavigation.
“Winning the Admiral’s Cup and then adding the Jules Verne record made for a pretty incredible year of sailing,” Jackson said.
“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that team of eight women. To become the first all-female crew to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world, and to do it in 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, was pretty special.”
Hamilton Island Race Director Denis Thompson said it was a good outcome for the regatta that Jackson had found another boat.
“Stacey is one of Australia’s most accomplished offshore sailors, so it is terrific that she has been able to find another opportunity to compete at Race Week following the disappointment for Indigo II,” Thompson said.
“She also lands in Super 40 Plus, which has been shaping up as one to watch. Ten boats are entered across a real spread of designs, so that division is going to be hard fought.”
Across the wider Race Week fleet, entries have continued to build.
First Light (Peter White) and Gusto (Lee Hawksley) have joined Highly Sprung, Quest and Virago in the TP52 Class.
Four Sonata 26s will make the design’s first appearance at Race Week, with Victoria’s Serenata, Tempo and Jacana joining South Australia’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere in the Trailable Yachts Class.
Victoria has recorded the largest increase in participation, sending 40 boats compared with 25 last year. New South Wales remains the largest contingent with 73 entries, ahead of Queensland’s 57.
US sailors Barry and Susie Parkin will also make their Race Week debut aboard the Oyster 825 Viva La Vida. The pair are currently competing in the Oyster World Rally.
Thompson said the range of classes entered was setting up a strong week on the water.
“The growth of the TP52 division to five boats is another highlight. They’re incredibly competitive yachts and that class should produce some of the closest racing of the week,” he said.
“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 Week officially begins on Saturday 15 August with the Nautilus Marine Insurance Skippers’ Welcome at Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
Nautilus Marine Insurance Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Turner said: “Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the highlights of the Australian sailing calendar, and we’re proud to have supported the event since 2022.
“The Nautilus Marine Insurance Skippers’ Welcome brings the sailing community together before racing begins and sets the tone for the competition and celebrations ahead.”
Event details
Racing runs from Sunday 16 August to Saturday 22 August. Boats holding a secondary IRC certificate must declare which certificate will be used by 2359 on 11 August, and divisional lists will be published on the event website by 15 August.
The Prix d’Elegance will be held before racing on Thursday 20 August, with awards for Best Presented Yacht and Crew and Best Fun-Themed Yacht and Crew. Consistent with Hamilton Island’s commitment to sustainability, the use of balloons is not permitted for this event.
Crew and Marine Mammal Safety
Race Week takes place during the humpback whale season, when whales migrate to the Whitsundays to breed and calve. The region was recognised as a Whale Heritage Area in 2024 and additional whale protection rules apply. All competitors, support vessels, media boats, spectator vessels and recreational boaters must comply with all applicable Commonwealth and Queensland laws and regulations relating to marine mammals. Details are available at hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/on-water-events/whales.
Entries: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Onshore program and spectator tickets: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/event-tickets
qualia Race Week Residency Packages: https://www.qualia.com.au/events/race-week/
