Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race / 530nm / 4 - 11 Aug 2021
8 DAYS / cat 2 ocean RACe /2 CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE
After winning Division 2 on both PHS and IRC in the inaugural Category 2 ocean race in 2019, we are back for the 2nd edition of the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) and Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The 530 nautical mile race will start on Friday 6th August 2021 at 1100 just east of Green Island on Brisbane’s beautiful Moreton Bay.
The yachts will head north along the shorelines of the world famous Fraser Island before weaving their way through the islands, reefs and big ocean currents inside the world famous Great Barrier Reef, bound for Hamilton Island Marina. You will join a racing crew of 8 people for this epic ocean race north, along the eastern shores of Fraser Island and through the Whitsunday Islands before crossing the finish line at Hamilton Island. With a fleet of more than 30 yachts expected, this promises to be an exciting 3rd edition of this new Australian ocean race.
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
COVID STATUS: Crew bookings open to Australian residents of QLD, ACT, WA, TAS & NT only.
AUD$4,750
8 days
The 600nm race course
Itinery
Join us at Southport on Queensland's Gold Coast for the 50nm delivery trip north on the 5th of August to RQYS in preparation for race start the following day. We will stay aboard on 5th of August, attend the pre-race briefing and complete final preparations for the race start the following day. On the 6th of August the gun will fire at 1100 hours and we'll be off with a fleet of 30+ yachts on the race out of Moreton Bay, north past Cape Moreton, the Sunshine Coast and up the eastern side of the worlds largest sand island; Fraser Island. We'll then weave our way through the islands of the Whitsundays in search for the optimum combination of course, currents and wind to Hamilton Island Marina, where we will berth and celebrate at the prize giving presentation ashore.
The race will take 3-5 days depending on wind direction and strength and we would expect to complete it on the 9th to 10th of August. You are welcome to stay onboard the yacht the entire time and should plan to fly out of Hamilton Island Airport on or after 11th August.
Media
Listen to Podcast Episode 80 - Winning the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race by 7 minutes (in 2019).
It was recorded after our successful race result and shares the challenges, setbacks and race strategy that led to taking out 1st place in both IRC and PHS in Division 2 of this inaugural ocean race alongside the other three podium winners; Wild Oats X (line honours mono), Ichi Ban (IRC Division 1) and Mod Beau Geste (line honours multi).
You could not script a better result and its a great example of a good crew sailing a boat to its potential to outperform newer, purpose designed race yachts (Dehler 46, DK46, Sydney 38, Sydney 40 and a Beneteau First 45) to achieve a double handicap win.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Brisbane and Hamilton Island, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, race entry fees, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included along with suncream.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif, Hamilton Island & HomeAway.
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