Join us for the 7-day Hamilton Island Race Week, open to all ages and experience levels! — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

Hamilton Island Race Week

10 DAYS / cat 5 sailing REGATTA

Overview

Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s premier offshore regatta—an exhilarating blend of competitive sailing, tropical island vibes, and vibrant social events. Held in the heart of the Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef, this iconic event attracts over 200 yachts and sailors from around the world for a week of high-energy racing and laid-back island celebrations. With crystal-clear waters, stunning island backdrops, and regular sightings of whales, dolphins, and turtles, this regatta delivers the perfect combination of world-class sailing and natural beauty.

Join Ocean Sailing Expeditions and race alongside Sharon Ferris-Choat, our Olympic sailor and veteran of the Volvo Ocean Race, World Speed Record runs, and match racing circuits. After taking 1st place overall in the Blue Division in 2024, we’re returning in 2026 with even more determination, experience, and passion for this unforgettable event. Whether you’re an experienced racer or looking to take part in your first regatta, this is a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level while enjoying the camaraderie of a dedicated race crew.

Race overview

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.

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

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.

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ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Review sailing calendar for all events