Australia's largest and most prestigious offshore sailing regatta - where world-class racing meets tropical island paradise in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Event Essentials
Race Entry Information
For Competitors
Entry fees vary by boat class and division. Early bird entries receive a 10% discount when registered by 11:59pm AEDT on 31 December 2025. Fleet numbers are capped based on marina berth availability - the event typically sells out, so register early to avoid disappointment.
For Spectators
Spectating is free! Watch the racing from Hamilton Island Yacht Club, various lookout points around the island, or book a spectator cruise to get close to the action on the water. Ticketed onshore events including gourmet lunches, dinners, wine tastings and parties are available separately.
Save the Date
Don't miss out - add Hamilton Island Race Week to your calendar
๐ Add to Google CalendarGetting to Hamilton Island Race Week
From Airlie Beach
1-1.5 hour ferry from Port of Airlie (28km / 15 nautical miles). Multiple daily services with Cruise Whitsundays. From $60 one way.
By Air
Direct flights to Hamilton Island Airport from Sydney (2.5hrs), Melbourne (3hrs), Brisbane (1.5hrs) and Cairns (1hr). Transfers included with most accommodation.
By Boat
Competing boats receive free marina berths at Hamilton Island Marina from Thursday 14 August to Monday 24 August 2026.
About Hamilton Island Race Week
Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia's largest offshore keelboat regatta and one of the world's most prestigious sailing events. Now entering its 41st year in 2026, this week-long festival attracts over 200 yachts and thousands of sailors from across Australia and around the globe to compete in the stunning waters of the Whitsunday Islands.
The regatta was founded in 1984 when David Hutchen convinced Keith Williams, the island's original owner and founder, to stage an event that would showcase the region. That inaugural event attracted 93 boats despite challenging weather. In 2003, the Oatley family - prominent sailors and vignerons - acquired Hamilton Island after competing in Race Week, and have since transformed both the island and the regatta into world-class destinations.
What makes Race Week special is the combination of spectacular racing through the mostly uninhabited Whitsunday Islands and an unmatched onshore social program. The passage racing courses weave around tropical islands with the Great Barrier Reef as a backdrop, while evenings feature celebrity chef dinners, wine tastings, beach parties and live entertainment. It's the kind of event where you might find yourself racing against Sydney to Hobart champions by day and sharing stories over champagne at sunset.
What to Expect at Hamilton Island Race Week
Racing Classes
Hamilton Island Race Week caters for everything from high-performance grand prix yachts to cruising boats and trailables. Classes include:
Race Week Schedule
Where is Hamilton Island Race Week Held?
Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday Islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland's tropical coast. The island is a world-class resort destination owned by the Oatley family, featuring luxury accommodation, restaurants, and activities - making it the perfect base for a sailing regatta.
Racing takes place in the waters of the Whitsunday Passage and surrounding area, with courses weaving around the mostly uninhabited islands that make up this stunning archipelago. The combination of consistent trade winds, warm water and spectacular scenery creates one of the world's most beautiful sailing venues.
What's Nearby
While Hamilton Island itself offers everything you need, the broader Whitsundays region is easily accessible. Airlie Beach is just an hour by ferry and serves as the mainland gateway to the islands. The Airlie Beach Lagoon, Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie are popular spots for visitors staying on the mainland.
Brisbane 2032: The Whitsundays has been selected to co-host the sailing events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, making Hamilton Island Race Week the perfect preview of Olympic sailing conditions.
Onshore Events & Entertainment
Race Week's social calendar is as legendary as the racing itself. Past events have included:
- Beachside Garden Party - Champagne and gourmet grazing at Catseye Beach
- Celebrity Chef Dinners - Multi-course feasts by Australia's top chefs
- Wine Masterclasses - Tastings with renowned winemakers
- Superyacht Spectator Cruises - Watch the racing from the water with champagne and canapes
- Long Lunches - Leisurely island dining at Hamilton Island Golf Club and Bommie
- Lay Day Beach Party - The legendary mid-week celebration
- Grand Finale Dinner - Awards ceremony and celebration
- Daily Marina Entertainment - Live music, food markets and festivities
What to Bring to Hamilton Island Race Week
For Competitors
- Sailing gear and wet weather clothing
- Deck shoes and sailing boots
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Safety equipment as per Notice of Race
- Smart casual attire for evening events
- Valid sailing qualifications
For Spectators
- Resort wear and swimwear
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Smart casual for evening events
- Binoculars for race watching
- Camera for capturing the action
- Comfortable walking shoes
Getting Around Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is car-free, so getting around is by golf buggy (available for hire), the free island shuttle bus, or on foot. Most accommodation includes buggy hire or shuttle access. The marina village, yacht club, beaches and accommodation are all within easy reach of each other. Ferries depart from Hamilton Island Marina for day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and other Whitsunday Islands.
Hamilton Island Race Week Highlights
Hamilton Island Race Week has been a fixture on the international sailing calendar since 1984. Here are some recent highlights:
- 2025: 40th Anniversary edition. Marcus Blackmore's TP52 Hooligan won Rating 1. Featured the inaugural Palm Beach Motor Yachts Trans-Tasman 49er Series with Olympic-class skiffs from Australia and New Zealand, previewing Brisbane 2032 sailing
- 2024: Record international entries with 200+ boats competing in pristine conditions
- 2013: 30th Anniversary - multihulls welcomed to the regatta for the first time, bringing ORMA 60s, Extreme 40s and cruising cats to the start line
- 2003: Bob Oatley competes with son Sandy's yacht Another Duchess, and is subsequently asked if he'd like to buy the island
- 1992: Event moved from April to August to take advantage of ideal trade wind conditions
- 1984: Inaugural Race Week attracts 93 boats despite challenging weather - affectionately remembered as "Hamilton Island Rain Week"
Good to Know
Book accommodation early: Race Week is Hamilton Island's busiest week of the year. Accommodation sells out months in advance - book as soon as dates are announced.
Whale watching season: Race Week coincides with humpback whale migration through the Whitsundays. Sailors are asked to take extra caution around whales during racing.
Premium event: Hamilton Island is a luxury destination and Race Week reflects this. Budget accordingly for accommodation, dining and social events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Hamilton Island Race Week without competing?
Yes! Spectating is free. Watch from Hamilton Island Yacht Club, various lookout points, or book a spectator cruise to get close to the action. The marina comes alive with entertainment, food and festivities every evening.
Do I need to own a boat to participate?
No. You can join a crew looking for extra hands, book onto a sailing school entry, or charter a bareboat. Several operators offer Race Week packages for sailors without their own boat.
How do I get to Hamilton Island?
Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns to Hamilton Island Airport. Alternatively, take a ferry from Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour (approximately 1 hour).
What is the Lay Day?
The Lay Day (Wednesday) is a rest day from racing. It's filled with onshore activities including the famous beach party, food markets, wine tastings and island exploring.
When should I book accommodation?
As early as possible. Race Week accommodation on Hamilton Island sells out quickly, often within weeks of dates being announced. Sailor packages offer special rates for competitors.
Can I bring my car to Hamilton Island?
No. Hamilton Island is car-free. Getting around is by golf buggy (hire available), free island shuttle, or on foot. If driving to the Whitsundays, park at Shute Harbour and take the ferry.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've been living and working in the Whitsundays since 2001. We've seen events come and go, and we know what makes a great day out in our region.
Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the highlights of the Whitsundays calendar - the atmosphere when hundreds of yachts converge on the island is electric. We've watched this regatta grow into a world-class event that showcases everything that makes our region special.
This guide shares honest local knowledge to help you make the most of Hamilton Island Race Week - no fluff, just practical tips from people who actually live here.
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Ready for Hamilton Island Race Week?
Early bird entries for 2026 are open now - save 10% when you register by 31 December 2025
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