Hamilton Island Race Week / 17 - 25 Aug 2024

8 DAYS / cat 5 RACE REGATTA / EVENT #2444 / Magic miles: cREW full waitlist only

Hamilton Island Race Week is the ultimate combination of spectacular island racing and evening fun ashore. Set on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands, the race week spans 6 races around the island over 7 days, with a fun filled lay-day in the middle. With more than 200 yachts racing in sparking blue waters, filled with whales, turtles and dolphins, it’s is my favourite annual regatta.

Join the race crew led by our very own Olympic, Volvo Ocean Race, World Speed Record, Match Racing and Yacht Maidan Skipper; Sharon Ferris-Choat for a week of high adrenalin racing on the water and fun ashore.

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

Join crew

AUD$4,750
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$12,825 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHs)

8 days

Hamilton Island Race Week set amongst the spectacular Whitsunday Islands

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Adventure ashore

Swimming

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

Participating in the Hamilton Island 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, Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia's premier yachting regatta.

The experience begins with the vibrant atmosphere at Hamilton Island, the event's hub, where sailors from around the globe gather. The island 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 Hamilton Island, 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 in the Hamilton Island 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.

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Check out the regatta website.
Listen to the Ocean Sailing Podcast episode 117 interview with Sharon Ferris-Choat: From Troubled Student To Olympian, Volvo Ocean Race, Jules Vern Trophy and Extreme Cats

Itinery

You'll fly into Hamilton Island directly or into Airlie Beach (Proserpine) and catch the ferry to Hamilton Island on 17 August 2024. We'll be completing final regatta preparations during this time, allocating crew roles and checking weather forecasts as the excitement and buzz in the race village builds. With 200+ boats and 6,000 regatta crew and family members arriving for race week its an amazing festival of sailing and activity ashore.

Race one kicks off on Sunday 18th August with the next two races on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is a day off and we'll head to the beach or an island for a day of social activities. Races four to six take place across Thursday, Friday and Saturday and your week comes to an end with the Hamilton Island Race Week prize giving gala dinner on the Saturday night. Results are announced ashore daily at 5pm followed by a trip to the bar for a debrief of the days result before heading to dinner. For those that are up to it, we'll go ashore as a team each evening (dressed in our offical crew shirts) and hit the town.

You'll fly out of Hamilton Island directly or out of Airlie Beach (Proserpine) on the 25th of August and head home with a hole in your heart, swearing you'll be back next year to do it all over again.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all lunches onboard, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, race entry 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 (if you stay onboard) along with suncream.

Private Cabins

There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles in doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is still the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is still the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore (approx: $800-$1,000 for 8 nights twin share), meals ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Some crew will sleep onboard and others will stay ashore. 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: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif, Hamilton Island & HomeAway.