All News

It’s come down to ‘take no prisoners’

On-Water
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach Race Week
Whitsunday Sailing Club
Published on
August 18, 2022
Feature Photo by

Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) reached its penultimate day and a lovely 15-20 knot breeze shook up competitors who had been basking in light conditions all week at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s marquee event.

Just ask Rohan Veal. The Victorian sailor is skippering Michel Van Der Zwaard’s M32, appropriately named M32 World in Multihull Racing Division 1. Despite pulling out today, he still leads the division on countback to Van Der Zwaard, who is at the helm of his Extreme 40, Angus. Mike Peberdy’s Extreme 40, High Voltage, is third.

“We foolishly didn’t put a reef in,” Veal explained. “We had to motor round to a marina to get the main up. It’s extremely hard to put the main up and to put a reef in. Finally, we got into the lee of Pioneer Rock, but it meant we started 10 minutes late. It’s not my boat, I was concerned, I didn’t want to damage the boat, so we didn’t start.

The crew hadn’t sailed the boat more than five times before this regatta and that includes me.”

On told he was still leading the division, Veal was surprised: “We were happy to get out here, have a bit of fun, we weren’t expecting to win races. I think the Extremes would have beaten us today in these conditions, but we’ll never know…”

The boat is a lightweight, all-carbon, high-performance, one-design multihull.

“It’s an awesome boat. It’s wild because it’s so light. Its righting moment with anchor and engine is just 700 kilos. The boat wants to lift out of the water all the time, even with a reef. It’s a very tricky boat to sail. It’s extremely sensitive to every adjustment, especially upwind.

Division 2 is led by Andrew and Carolyn Stransky and their Olympian daughter, Mara. Fantasia has won at ABRW twice before, so their lead is no surprise. Kay Cee (William Richards) is in second place, on countback to Fantasia. Peter Hackett’s Full Bore holds down third place.

The Multihull Passage division is also in a tied position for first place between two NSW boats. Stephen Leonard’s charter boat, Sea Dragon (NSW), is in the top spot leading into the final day. William Phillips-Web’s Out of the Bag is hot on his heels and taking no prisoners. Marc Gerard’s Storm Bay is maintaining third place.

Performance Racing

Reignition, the MBD 41 owned by Charles Wallis from the host club leads Performance Racing  by three points to Cam Rae’s Barracuda from Geelong in Victoria, which won today’s race. Glenn Burrell’s striking black ‘Black Diamond’ is a further two points away in third place. Tomorrow will be the decider.

“We are just delighted that the boat go’s fast downwind and cuts the corners on the boats with asymmetrical kites,” Wallis said, laughing.

“This is our home ground, so we know the waters fairly well, although we don’t know what’s  going on with the currents often. She’s a good old girl, Reignition, we have taken part in practically every Airlie Beach since it started. I sold the boat and bought it back in Brisbane.”

Trailable Yachts

Skeeter, a Bethwaite 8 design from NSW, has featured in the top three for a few days now in a tough division where all are hot boats. She leads the division from John Rae and Gary Smith’s Vivace and Walter Hogg’s Sardine. There is little between the three, so tomorrow’s race will be the decider.

“It’s very tight, very close racing,” Skeeter’s owner, Sandor Tornai says. “We come up every year – couldn’t come the last two because of Covid. The venue is great, I’ll keep coming up here. We love sailing at Airlie Beach and enjoy the value for money. It’s laid back and we enjoy the banter with the Queensland guys.”

Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Full results and all information on Airlie Beach Race Week, please visit: www.abrw.com.au

News

Related News

Get the latest news and updates about Airlie Beach Race Week events.

On-Water
August 15, 2024

Podiums decided at most successful Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Compliments flowed from competitors at Whitsunday Sailing Club's (WSC) Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024, following a solid week of racing, as the Club and Whitsunday Islands delivered the best mix of racing seen for a while, allowing all entrants a chance to redeem themselves.
On-Water
August 15, 2024

Light air to decide Cormie’s fate at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

It's the final morning of racing at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and once again it is light and lovely and expected to be almost a replica of yesterday, with the sea breeze poking her nose into the Whitsundays around midday.
On-Water
August 14, 2024

Some have divisions stitched up at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

"Where is that damn wind", we were all asking this morning, Day 5 at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 – so no racing starting on time while officials monitored conditions on what was an otherwise picture perfect day - and finally the AP flag came down and racing was underway just after midday.
On-Water
August 13, 2024

Directions ashore at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

It's the morning of Day 5 at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and PRO Kevin Wilson has announced an AP ashore, as the beautiful sunny morning does not include a breath of wind, forcing Regatta Director, Jenni Birdsall and Wilson to raise the AP ashore and they will reassess the situation at 10am.
On-Water
August 13, 2024

Light air enthusiasts have a field day at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Day 4 at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 was the antithesis to the earlier part of the week-long regatta, as variable warm breezes under a sunny sky meant a return to the beautiful tropical Whitsundays, the light air lovers finally gaining an opportunity to excel and the all-rounders double dipping.
On-Water
August 12, 2024

Paradise is not lost as sun is back at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

It is the morning of Day 4 at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and the sun is out again after an extremely wet lay day – the question though is will there be any wind in Paradise today for the fourth day of racing – the Wettas and F18s certainly hope so after their racing was called off on Sunday due to the conditions.
On-Water
August 11, 2024

Conditions take their toll at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Rain squalls and conditions general tested a few on Day 3 of Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and not everyone escaped unscathed, Michael Unwin's Fuzzy Logic from Townsville was dismasted and others suffered too.
On-Water
August 11, 2024

Antipodes moves up ladder at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

It's Day 3 at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and the forecast is for nice south-easterly trade winds again – 17-20 knots and gusting to 28 during the afternoon, making it three days in a row of hard but enjoyable sailing – lay day tomorrow will be welcome by all for a little R&R.
On-Water
August 10, 2024

Another big day out at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

It was another big day on the water for the 36th running of Whitsunday Sailing Club's Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024, although it was more 'doable' than yesterday's race, as the seaway was a lot more user friendly according to competitors.
On-Water
August 9, 2024

Today a new day at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Day 1 is out of the way at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024, much to the delight of those who found the going tough, particularly the smaller off-the-beach boats taking part in the 150-strong fleet – and as the saying goes – today is another day.
On-Water
August 9, 2024

Punishing conditions test all on Day 1 of Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

The mass start of 150 boats on two start lines made for a palette of colour on Pioneer Bay for Day 1 of Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024, but the day was not without incident, as a number could not control their boats in the unruly winds that gusted to 24 knots causing many a capsize and broken masts across the classes taking part in the 36th running of the event.
Announcements
August 9, 2024

Magic mass start for Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week opener

Day 1 of Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 is set to be a cracker for the 150 competing boats across 14 divisions, with a spectacular mass start from two lines on Pioneer Bay the order of the day - and the weather is looking perfect for the opener of Whitsunday Sailing Club's signature event.
Announcements
July 31, 2024

Action on water and ashore at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Over 150 boats are ready for a week of action on the water and ashore when Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) kicks off on 8 August, 2024 and there is a surprise or two among the 150-strong fleet taking part in the 36th running of this popular event.
Announcements
July 23, 2024

New talent to try luck at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Organisers at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 look forward to seeing new talents emerge every year as they gravitate to one of Australia's favourite sailing playgrounds – and this year is no different, but the reasons they will make it to the Whitsundays are – some have funny stories attached, others have tales of frustration.
Announcements
June 24, 2024

Young kids added to mix for Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Entries for Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 continue to grow and among the latest, with two boats in the running, is local Michel Van Der Zwaard, whose two kids have been added to one of his boats for the 36th running of Airlie Beach Race Week, to be held from 8-15 August.
Announcements
May 21, 2024

Expresso Martini to take on best at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week

Entries for Whitsunday Sailing Club's (WSC) Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 continue to flow in and competition is set to ignite in the Trailable Yachts and Sports Boat class, while new support sponsors sign up for the popular Queensland regatta.
Announcements
May 1, 2024

Airlie Beach Holds World First Solar Powered Regatta

Airlie Beach Race Week is going off grid with a world first solar powered regatta. Six trailers with 110 kilowatts of power will run the event in a move towards a renewable future.
Announcements
April 30, 2024

Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week - 100 entries and counting

Entries for Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 have already touched 100 and continue to grow as organiser, Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC), announces a new Regatta Director, Jenni Birdsall.
Announcements
March 26, 2024

Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 goes green

As entries continue to flow in, it is with great pride Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) announces that Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week is going off the grid and green, courtesy of event support sponsor, Mobile Power Trailers.
Announcements
March 18, 2024

Presenting Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024

Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is pleased to announce the addition of naming rights sponsors Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay to Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 and also announces that entries have already broached 60 for the 36th running of the event, held in the stunning Whitsunday Islands every year.
Events
September 28, 2023

Airlie Beach Race Week Dates for 2024

The organising committee of the Airlie Beach Race Week have announced the dates for the 2024 regatta. After this year’s very light series, the organisers, the Whitsunday Sailing Club, are looking for better racing conditions for the next installation, which will be conducted from 8 – 15 August 2024.
On-Water
September 28, 2023

Airlie Beach Race Week: Victors reap the spoils

The final day and no wind to speak of on the horizon on an otherwise beautiful sunny day, as officials at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 35th Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sail waited until near the 1pm cut off, unable to drum up a skerrick of wind, so all racing was abandoned and results stand as they are.
On-Water
August 18, 2023

Final races to decide trophies in tight pointscores

The final races at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) today will decide the winners across the various divisions at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 35th running of its signature event and signs are that racing should get away from 11.30am.
On-Water
August 16, 2023

Déjà vu as racing delayed

Another warm sunny morning at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) on Day 5, but racing has already been postponed due to identical conditions to yesterday’s – blue skies, balmy weather, but no wind, as the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) race management team grappled with how to get some racing in.
On-Water
August 15, 2023

Two classes get racing in

An outgoing tide and no breeze to speak of, meant race officials at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) were up against it to get any racing in on Day 4 of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), even though a breeze teased after the AP flag went up ashore, but competitors waited and waited, officials keeping them updated of an indecisive and extremely light breeze.
On-Water
August 15, 2023

Too light and fluky for most - just four divisions race

Another sunny light air day Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) on Day 3, officials at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) out searching for steady breeze, but struggled to get racing in, just four divisions raced while the rest floated around and watched whales at play and took in the scenery.
On-Water
August 15, 2023

Will conditions play ball at all on Day 4?

Day 4 of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) after competitors made the most of lay day yesterday, sightseeing and shopping locally, or on adventures further afoot, returning this morning to find organisers at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) had displayed AP ashore with a 9.45am advising, “No breeze on the race course.”
On-Water
August 13, 2023

A search for light breeze on Day 3

Day 3 at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) and officials at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) warned the forecast was for a 5-10 knot east/south-easterly, which meant sending the bulk of the fleet further north to make the best of the breeze.
On-Water
August 12, 2023

High achieving athletes set to race with family trio at Airlie Beach Race Week

Father and son duo, Joe and Thomas Goddard, will join over 160 new and regular entries from Australia wide, New Caledonia and New Zealand, when the start gun is fired on Friday, signalling the first day of racing at 2023 Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW).
On-Water
August 12, 2023

A light breeze day - with tide

Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) continued today in a light breeze on a typically balmy Whitsundays day, but all were kept on their toes as the tide played a big roll and found some stranded ashore for a time when they took things a little too far – Scarlet Runner, Rock ‘n Roll and Secret Weapon among them.
On-Water
August 12, 2023

Airlie Beach Race Week - Racing away!

Day 1 at 2023 Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) and the volunteer force that makes this regatta possible were out in force at this morning’s race briefing preparing for the opening race, a spectacular mass start from 11am.
On-Water
August 12, 2023

Spectacular mass start on a perfect day

A mass start for the fleet at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) and ideal sailing conditions of up to 20 knots as a gloomy sky developed into a sunny blue day on Pioneer Bay when officials fired the first gun for Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 35th running of its annual event.
On-Water
August 12, 2023

Light winds expected on Day 2

Day 2 at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) and the 152 entries lined up on Pioneer Bay for the first starts at 10am on another blue skied sunny day with a light breeze of 10 knots expected on the various course areas today.
On-Water
May 24, 2023

Fast boats ready for take-off at Airlie Beach Race Week

Airlie Beach Race Week is sure to set pulses racing and hearts pumping when the multihulls and sports boats take to the water for the 35th running of the annual Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) takes off from 10-17 August.
On-Water
April 27, 2023

Quality comes to Airlie Beach Race Week 2023

Two past Sydney Hobart winners, a record-breaking Kiwi yacht, a Fast 40 and a new kid on the block are among the quality IRC/ORC entries ready for action stations when the 35th running of Airlie Beach Race Week, organised by Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is held from 10-17 August.
On-Water
March 23, 2023

Airlie Beach Race Week 2023: Early entries reach 100

Berthing for yachts and big multihulls for the 35th edition of Airlie Beach Race Week has been exhausted, as entries reach 100 early on, but organisers at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) encourage other possible entries to try and source independently.
On-Water
February 8, 2023

First in best dressed for Airlie Beach Race Week 2023

Entry is open and the Notice of Race online for the 35th edition of Airlie Beach Race Week, but with marina berthing limited, necessitating a cap of 100 yachts/multihulls, organisers at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) urge all prospective competitors to enter now.
On-Water
August 18, 2022

Kerrie in F18 ‘Driver’ seat at Airlie Beach Race Week

Kerrie Driver is among the off-the-beach F18 multihull sailors competing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 34th Airlie Beach Race Week this week and all of the class knows who the Sydneysider is.
On-Water
August 18, 2022

Team Hollywood makes it two from two

Following an hour’s delay in racing at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) today as officials waited for the breeze to fill in, Ray Roberts and his Team Hollywood (NSW) added a further win to their Day 1 victory to take command of IRC/ORC Division 1 of the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 34th regatta.
On-Water
August 18, 2022

Final day at Airlie Beach Race Week a glamour

A magic day on the water for the record fleet of 178 taking part in the final day of racing at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) in the Whitsundays, the sun and wind turned on their charms one more time, as whales and dolphins cavorted in the background.
On-Water
August 18, 2022

McVey versus McVey for Weta title

A super competitive father and son are sailing in the Weta trimaran class at Airlie Beach Race Week in the Whitsundays this week and the results have sea sawed between the pair from Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club in Boreen, Queensland.
On-Water
August 18, 2022

Two days left to make a difference

The Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) continued today, with multiple classes and a record 178 entries where some pointscores are becoming clear and others are so close they are tied on points.
On-Water
August 14, 2022

Olympian ‘home’ at Airlie Beach Race Week

Australian Olympian Mara Stransky is among the record numbers taking part in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 34th Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), which started off Airlie Beach in the Whitsunday Islands on Friday.
On-Water
August 13, 2022

Families soak up sailing and celebrate at Airlie Beach Race Week

Families that sail together stay together – just ask those whose enthusiasm for sailing has rubbed off on the younger generation and other family members at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) – among them is Geoff Dews, whose family have joined him for a special celebration.
On-Water
August 13, 2022

Airlie Beach Race Week: Record fleet as onshore entertainment hits new high

A record fleet of 185 plus entries in 2022, surpassing the all-time record of 133 boats at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) in 2016 will enjoy their first major regatta of the northern regattas season when the start gun fires in the Whitsunday Islands from 11 to 18 August.u
On-Water
August 13, 2022

Airlie Beach Race Week: Wind gods make call - racing abandoned

On Day 2 of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), competitors in the record fleet of 178 boats were initially held ashore, as organisers Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) monitored a very light and variable breeze, but eventually all headed out to Pioneer Bay and waited and waited, until there was no choice but to abandon racing for the day at around 1pm.
On-Water
August 9, 2022

Queensland Trailable Yacht & Sports Boat Championship

As part of the 34th Airlie Beach Race Week, Whitsunday Sailing Club will also be hosting the Queensland Trailable Yacht & Sports Boat championship. Conducted in accordance with Australian Sailing’s Australian Class Based Handicap (CBH) Rating System for Trailable Yachts and Sports Boats, the event will be open to complying boats holding a current CBH or who fully complies with relevant class rules.
On-Water
June 2, 2022

Lure of Airlie Beach Race Week in winter

The lure of sailing on the warm waters of the Whitsunday islands in August, not to mention the competition from Australia-wide, has owners and crews once again feeling the pull of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) and all it offers away from cold winters in their respective interstate homes.
On-Water
March 23, 2022

Airlie Beach Race Week 2022: Entries breach 100

More than 100 entries across a variety of classes have so far been received for the 34th running of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), to be hosted by Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) in the Whitsunday Islands from 11 to 18 August, 2022.
On-Water
March 1, 2022

Airlie Beach Race Week Berthing

We are receiving reports that it is difficult to secure berthing for boats at this year’s Airlie Beach Race Week. Both Port of Airlie and Coral Sea Marinas are advising enquiries that they do not have berths available, and are putting boats on waiting lists. They won’t be releasing any berths until much closer to race week other than cancelations.
On-Water
February 8, 2022

First entrant fired up for Airlie Beach Race Week

Mako, the much travelled Sydney 40 owned by a Newcastle, NSW syndicate is officially the first entry received for Airlie Beach Race Week 2022, which will be held in the Whitsunday Islands from 11 to 18 August.
On-Water
October 14, 2021

2022 Airlie Beach Race Week Dates Announced

Whitsunday Sailing Club, the host of Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing, has announced the dates for the 2022 Airlie Beach Race Week. The Regatta will commence with registration on Thursday 11 August 2022, with racing commencing on Friday 12 August through to Thursday 18 August. Monday 15 August will be the traditional lay day.
On-Water
August 19, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week: Final Day and all to play for

This is the final day at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) Airlie Beach Race Week and the stakes are high in some divisions where the pointscores are so close that the top three will be decided by a triangle course on Pioneer Bay starting from 10am.
On-Water
August 19, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week concludes on a high note

The Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week finished on a high note, with 10-17 knot winds for the final race on a triangle course on Pioneer Bay deciding the day’s victors and the overall winners in the various divisions.
On-Water
August 18, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week reaches halfway point

Fun was had by all on yesterday’s lay day and today the proof will be in the pudding at Airlie Beach Race Week – who will turn up prepared, and who will be dusty – the results will be the telling in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s annual major sailing event.
On-Water
August 18, 2021

Hairy blokes have their day at Airlie Beach Race Week

Tim McCall and the Hairy McClary crew from the Capricornia Cruising Yacht Club in Queensland had their day in the sun at Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing, their race win taking Tim McCall’s Trailable yacht to a one point lead overall
On-Water
August 18, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week’s penultimate day

Two days of racing remain at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week, which continues today with a mix of windward/leewards and passage racing, all starting on Pioneer Bay in the stunning Whitsunday Islands – or Paradise, as it is known to those who live there and visitors to the region.
On-Water
August 18, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week: Another wind filled thriller

The weather gods were smiling down on competitors at Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing again, offering up a superb 10-17 knot south-easterly wind, and bucket loads of sunshine on the penultimate day of the week-long regatta in the Whitsundays.
On-Water
August 16, 2021

Good times keep rolling at Airlie Beach Race Week

Three days of superb racing conditions and a fabulous social atmosphere a world away from lockdowns and the serious business of work life as competitors acknowledge and appreciate their week of racing at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) Airlie Beach Race Week.
On-Water
August 14, 2021

Day 2 dawns bright at Airlie Beach Race Week

Day 1 out of the way, officials and competitors at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s annual Airlie Beach Race Week have dusted themselves off after the night’s celebrations and are now looking forward to the day ahead, which Event Chairman, Ross Chisholm, says, “should be champagne sailing.”
On-Water
August 14, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week: Just another day in paradise

Another day of ideal sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week with a race course weaving through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and an ideal 15- 20 knot wind, but fun seems to be the focal point for most competitors who are enjoying the freedom they realise they are fortunate to have.
On-Water
August 13, 2021

Capsize and dismastings in Airlie Beach Race Week opener

It had all the drama of soap opera; while some revelled in the 20 knot breeze, others were dismasted or were damaged, which put paid to their race on the opening day of Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 33rd Airlie Beach Race Week.
On-Water
August 10, 2021

Adventures of an Ocean Racing Navigator - Will Oxley

Will Oxley is one of the world’s leading navigators for ocean racing, having sailed over 250,000nm including 5 round the world races and 19 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Races, and winner of the CYCA Ocean Navigator of the year award in 2010, 2018 and 2019.
On-Water
August 10, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week is ready to roll

Despite the latest lockdowns in NSW and the south east corner of Queensland, organisers at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) are looking forward to welcoming competitors and their supporters to the 33rd running of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), which starts on Thursday with registration.
On-Water
August 2, 2021

Information Session with Will Oxley

As a lead up to Airlie Beach Race Week, World renowned Australian ocean navigator & on line teacher Will Oxley will be giving some insights into famous Vendee incidents & local tips, in the Marquee from 19.00h to 21.00h on Wednesday the 11’th of August.
On-Water
August 2, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week still Full Steam Ahead

Despite the latest lockdowns in NSW and the South East corner of Queensland, the organisers of Airlie Beach Race Week continue to plan for the 2021 version of the event. With a number of competitors indicating that they are unable to attend, the regatta director and Chairman, Ross Chisholm, said today that the Whitsunday Sailing Club and the ABRW organising committee are committed to ensuring the regatta continues for those who are able to attend.
Announcements
July 14, 2021

Mass exodus as boaties head to Airlie Beach Race Week

While Covid continues to wreak havoc in parts of Australia, Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) officials and members are looking forward to welcoming a record number of competitors and their supporters to the 33rd running of Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), to be held from 12-19 August in the stunning Whitsunday islands.
On-Water
June 10, 2021

Record tumbles as cool cats and tris join in for Airlie Beach Race Week

With entries not due to close until Monday 2 August, Airlie Beach Race Week has already reached an unprecedented high of 139 boats, outstripping the event’s record of 133 in 2016 and more than doubled those of 2020 when COVID interfered.
On-Water
May 6, 2021

Heavy hitters heading to Airlie Beach Race Week

A trio of past Sydney Hobart winners in Geoff Boettcher, Darryl Hodgkinson and Phil Turner, along with yachting champion Marcus Blackmore, are among the heavy hitters heading north to race in the IRC Passage Division at the 33rd running of Airlie Beach Race Week, to be held from 12-19 August, 2021.
On-Water
April 10, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week: Fast boats quick on the draw with early entries

Adrian Walters was quick on the draw when entries opened for Airlie Beach Race Week 2021; his fun and fast Rob Shaw 11 Metre design, Little Nico, was the first entry received by the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) and other boats that are speedy on the water closely followed suit.
On-Water
March 2, 2021

Airlie Beach Race Week 2021 entries open

Entry to Airlie Beach Race Week 2021 is open and organisers at Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) are confident of large numbers following the success of last year’s event, one of the rare major sporting events to go ahead in Australia since March 2020, and yachties are keen to return to racing following a hiatus.
On-Water
August 13, 2020

Famous golden oldie scores division win at Airlie Beach Race Week

Stuart Tivey and his partner Lisa Sampson were thrilled to win Race 5 in Cruising Division 1 at the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing yesterday with their famous German Frers 48, Ragamuffin 111, built in 1975.
On-Water
August 13, 2020

Final race decides winners

Sixty four boats to part in the 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, hosted by Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC), which had a difficult job on their hands between the light and fluky conditions and imposing restrictions caused by the CoronaVirus, but the club handled it with aplomb.
On-Water
August 12, 2020

Desperado and G’Nome slay the giants

A long wait ashore for 64 crews as officials continued to monitor the weather, or lack thereof on the Pioneer Bay course, for the penultimate day of Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, hosted by Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC).
On-Water
August 12, 2020

Airlie Beach Race Week debut for Black Diamond

It’s Day 5, the penultimate day of racing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, and among the entries is a newcomer, Glenn Burrell’s Black Diamond.
On-Water
August 11, 2020

Competitors ready for another day of racing

Refreshed from the lay day and having effected any repairs. or undertaken training, the 64 boats competing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosted Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing 2020, are back on the water today for Day 4 of racing.
On-Water
August 11, 2020

Back in Black and Team Hollywood in control

Back in Black has exerted her authority on the rest of the Multihull Racing fleet today, the Extreme 40 won both races on windward/leeward courses at the 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, while Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood has made it four from four in the IRC Rating Passage Division.
On-Water
August 9, 2020

Stakes raised as Airlie Beach Race Week approaches halfway mark

Day 3 at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, and with racing to kick-off from 1030am this morning, competitors were looking forward to another day of decent sailing conditions, not dissimilar to yesterday.
On-Water
August 9, 2020

Another day for the light air specialists

Sunshine finally poked through the clouds, and competitors aboard the 64 competing boats at the 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing did not find the anticipated 15 knots, instead the breeze peaked at 8 knots.
On-Water
August 8, 2020

Airlie Beach Race Week – Light on for breeze again today

Sixty four boats are taking part in the 2020 Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing and faced the unusual situation of little to no breeze on a foggy and rainy day in the beautiful Whitsundays yesterday, but there were happy campers in the end, when some found 6-7 knots of breeze late in the shortened race.
On-Water
August 8, 2020

Winds arrive and ORMA 60 makes it two from two

Festival of Sailing today, the winds Gods changed tack and gave the 64 boats and crews a run for their money in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) annual event.
On-Water
August 5, 2020

COVID 19 Crew Declaration

It is a requirement that ALL crew members complete the attached declaration and lodge with the Organising Authority.
On-Water
July 31, 2020

ABRW - Covid-19 Update

In light of the recent Government announcements regarding health concerns over Covid-19, the Airlie Beach Race Week Organising Committee wish to clarify the plans for the 32nd Airlie Beach Race Week.
On-Water
July 29, 2020

Safety and Sea Survival Course 14th August

Whitsunday Sailing Club, in conjunction with Mainstay Sailing, will conduct an Australian Sailing “Safety and Sea Survival” course on Friday 14th August, the day after the completion of Airlie Beach Race Week.
On-Water
July 29, 2020

Airlie Beach Race Week ready to roll - on and off the water

Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) officials are pleased to announce that a healthy fleet of 70 boats will take part in the 32nd running of Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, where a week-long sailing program and a fabulous social calendar awaits all.
On-Water
June 30, 2020

Airlie Beach Race Week prepares as Queensland border opening announced

With the announcement that the Queensland border will open on 10 July to all but Victoria, Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is working hard to make sure that Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, to be held from 6-13 August, is a memorable event for all concerned.
On-Water
June 2, 2020

Airlie Beach Race Week 2020: Full steam ahead

As Coronavirus restrictions continue to ease around Australia, Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) is pleased to announce it is full steam ahead for Airlie Beach Race Week Whitsundays Festival of Sailing.
On-Water
April 6, 2020

Airlie Beach Race Week - The Rounding Mark on a Distant Horizon

Sometimes it’s really hard to see the rounding mark on the horizon even when everyone aboard knows that it’s there. We just have to rely on the compass and keep all eyes focused ahead. Like searching for “cats’ paws”, wisps of wind on a glassed-out sea, patience and determination will get us across the line.
On-Water
March 4, 2020

Entry open for Airlie Beach Race Week 2020

Entry for the Whitsunday Airlie Beach Festival of Sailing opened on 1 March, 2020 and can be found online, along with Notice of Race, easily found on the Home page of the official Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) race website.
On-Water
August 15, 2019

Grand finale at Airlie Beach Race Week

The 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) grand finale is shaping up to be a beauty with east/south-east 15 to 20 knot winds expect and Ross Chisholm, the Race Director Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) advising all courses would be on Pioneer Bay for the final day.
On-Water
August 15, 2019

Ullman Sails and Evil Gnome win Australian Multihull title at Airlie Beach Race Week

Paul Mitchell skippered Ullman Sails to one final win at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) to claim the Australian Multihull Championship title; finishing 11 points clear of nearest rival, Julian Griffiths The Boat Works.
On-Water
August 15, 2019

Winners named at another successful Airlie Beach Race Week

The 31strunning of Airlie Beach Race Week has come to a close late this afternoon and all winners and placegetters will be feted at the official prize giving at Whitsunday Sailing Club this evening.
On-Water
August 14, 2019

Competition heats up with one day remaining at Airlie Beach Race Week

The 31st Airlie Beach Race Week, hosted by Whitsunday Sailing Club, is in its closing stages with just one day of racing remaining, so all 114 competing boats were out on the various courses today doing their best to cement a podium place in advance of the final day.
On-Water
August 14, 2019

Ullman Sails all the way at Airlie Beach Race Week

Paul Mitchell and Ullman Sails are well on the way to winning the Australian Multihull Championship at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) and to defending the title they won last year, and the year before, such is Mitchell and his crew’s dedication to performing at the top of their game.
On-Water
August 13, 2019

Power and the passion at Airlie Beach Race Week

It’s all to play for in the Australian Multihull Championship at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week – particularly for the local rock star – and that became very evident on Day 4, as the wind freshened and the multis showed their power and the crews their passion for racing them.
On-Water
August 13, 2019

Airlie Beach Race Week: Another spectacular day expected

Day 5 and weather forecasters have promised similar conditions to those of yesterday at Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), hosted by Whitsunday Sailing Club (WS, meaning 12-23 knots under sunny skies again.
On-Water
August 13, 2019

The diamonds and the dusty at Airlie Beach Race Week

Day 4 at 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week and the 31st running of Whitsunday Sailing Club’s largest sailing event, which reels in the big tourism dollars to the region, hit a new high note today, with winds reaching in excess of 20 knots and gusting 24 at times.
On-Water
August 11, 2019

Glamour and glitz at Airlie Beach Race Week

Cruising boats such as Eve, Vanilla 2 and White Swan are providing the glamour at Airlie Beach Race Week, the multihulls and today’s weather are the glitz factor, and in fact the entire 114 entries put on a stunning show in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) event today.
On-Water
August 10, 2019

Airlie Beach Race Week Day 2 - another hot day on the track

While south of the border the weather is anything but warm and sunny, competitors at Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sails 2019 are being spoilt rotten with warm sunny waters and a light breeze – and more of the same is on the cards for Day 2.
On-Water
August 10, 2019

Airlie Beach Race Week: Fun for all on Pioneer Bay

Pioneer Bay provided the perfect opportunity for sailors, photographers and spectators on Day 2 of 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW), with Whitsunday Sailing Club officials decreeing all classes sail on the Bay, resulting in a mass of colour around the course.