Airlie Beach Race Week

8-15 August 2024

Recognised Australia-wide as a vibrant and exciting week of action, mixing six days of offshore yacht racing with seven nights of socialising and entertainment.

2024 registration is fully refundable in the event you cannot secure a berth or mooring for the event
The Regatta

Experience the excitement of Airlie Beach Race Week

Join us for a week of exhilarating races and vibrant social events in the beautiful Whitsundays. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a spectator, Airlie Beach Race Week offers an unforgettable experience for all.

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Competitive sailing at its finest

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Full program of on water and on shore events

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Unforgettable moments on the open water

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Racing against the best in the Whitsundays

News

Latest ABRW News

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

A lot of changes at ABRW this year but the beautiful scenery and great racing remain - photo by Andrea Francolini
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On Water
August 18, 2022

It’s come down to ‘take no prisoners’

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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
|Courses take in some spectacular scenery around the Whitsundays - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Eve sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
Ullman Sails won Division 1 of the Australian Multihull Championships - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Back in Black and High Voltage at Airlie Beach Race Week 2019 - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Evil Gnome won Division 2 of the Australian Multihull Championships sailed at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini|The Boat Works finished second best of the Extremes - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
Hooligan won the final race to take IRC Passage - Photo: Andrea Francolini||Kraken was at the top of her game all week - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Tanya Kelly's Spartan won Cruising Division 2 - Photo: Andrea Francolini|The Ratcliff's RE-Heat won the Sports Boats - Photo: Shirley Wodson
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.
RE-Heat on fire today - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Aerial shot of The Stig - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Derek Sheppard and his Black Sheep - Photo: Shirley Wodson|School's Out has come a long way by water to compete at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
|Back in Black - Photo: Andrea Francolini|G'nome - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Mad Max looks bare minus her rig - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Tyee III finished third - Photo: Shirley Wodson
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.
SAILING - Airlie Beach Race Week 2019 - Airlie Beach, QLD 11/08/2019 (Photo by Andrea Francolini) THE HULLY TRINITY|Evil Gnome chasing down Mistress - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Mad Max with her hackles up - Photo: Andrea Francolini|The Boat Works and High Voltage - Photo: Shirley Wodson|There's no slowing Ullman Sails down - Photo: Andrea Francolini|This is how 'The Boat Works' - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
|Sunrise at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week 2019 - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
|A Eureka II (Mal Robertson) moment in Division 1 - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Non-Spinnaker division gets romping - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Wheres Wal II - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Zen and Hooligan battling it out at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
THE HULLY TRINITY - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Passengers on the cruise ship Pacific Aria were treated to a ringside seat at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini||Hooligan means business at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Ullman Sails on the course at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
Eve, sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Indulgence sailing in light winds at Airlie Beach Race Week 2019 - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Oasis sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week 2019 - Photo: Andrea Francolini|
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.
Bow down on Oasis Photo Andrea Francolini|||On and under water with Back in Black - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Start line congestion Photo Andrea Francolini|The new REO Speedwagon keeps the multi's astern - Photo: Andrea Francolini
On Water
August 9, 2019

Airlie Beach Race Week: Light breeze sets the tone in opener

Racing was delayed for a couple of hours, but finally got underway at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week, with 5 knots starting the day off and the entire fleet headed from Pioneer Bay and up past Double Cone Island, conditions peaking at 12 knots before dying out again.
||Back in Black and The Boat Works battling it out on Day 2 of Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini|||Ullman Sails at Airlie Beach Race Week 2019, Day 2 - Photo: Andrea Francolini
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.
Vivace and Crank at Airlie Beach Race Week 2019 - Photo: Andrea Francolini||Post race celebrations at the Whitsunday Sailing Club - Photo: Andrew Pattinson / Vampp Photography|REO Speedwagon - Photo: Andrea Francolini
On Water
August 10, 2019

Family pride on the line at Airlie Beach Race Week

It’s Day 3 at Airlie Beach Race Week and a breeze of up to 15 knots is on the horizon at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 2019 event, which plays into the hands of the sports boats where winning is just about winning, it’s all about family pride, with six of the ten entries chockablock with family talent on board.
The racing is second to none at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini|||Who doesn't love the Long Lunch on the Lawn at WSC - Photo Andrew Pattinson/Vampp Photography|Yachties mix it with visitors after racing at Whitsunday Sailing Club - Photo: Andrew Pattinson / Vampp Photography|
On Water
July 30, 2019

Nine days to start of Airlie Beach Race Week

Fast forward nine days to 8 August, and it will be on for young and old at Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing, Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) signature event, which continues to bring more tourists to the region than any other major event on the calendar.
Overdrive sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo Andrea Francolini||Sailing on Overdrive is a family affair|Race Week Chairman and Marketing Director Adrian Bram won sport promoter of the year|Club sailor Hamish Swain won Male Youth Sailor of the Year 2019|
On Water
July 26, 2019

100th entry sends Airlie Beach Race Week into ‘Overdrive’

Whitsunday sailor Rupert King is the 100thentrant to the 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week, with his performance cruiser Overdrive. Deciding he was “over” driving, the former truck driver built the Richard Edlin-designed 10.6 metre trimaran after falling in love with her sister ship.
'Eve' sailing at Airlie Beach Race Week 2017. Photo by Andrea Francolini|Andrew York sailing the 2019 Sydney Harbour regatta. Photo by Andrea Francolini|Holy Cow at Airlie Beach Race Week 2016 - Photo by Andrea Francolini
On Water
July 9, 2019

Airlie Beach Race Week: Entries shaping up - prize winner announced

Entries across all classes and division are shaping up well for Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing as the organiser, Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC), announced the winner of the early entries prize draw which offered the full value of the event’s entry fee in food and drink vouchers at the Club.
Airlie Beach Race Week||||Denis Thompson at the 30th anniversary Airlie Beach Race Week in 2018.|
On Water
June 19, 2019

Change at the helm for Airlie Beach Race Week

The Airlie Beach Race Week organising committee is saddened to report that long time Race Director, Denis Thompson, has withdrawn from this year’s event due to personal health issues.
Airlie Beach Race Week, Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill|Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach Race Week|Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach Race Week|Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Freedom Shores, Airlie Beach Race Week|Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach Race Week
On Water
June 14, 2019

Warm Northerlies welcome for Airlie Beach Race Week

Whatever direction the wind is blowing on Tuesday, August 13, Northerlies will be the flavour of the month for sailors competing in Airlie Beach Race Week.
Airlie Beach Race Week, Whitsunday Sailing Club|Airlie Beach Race Week, Whitsunday Sailing Club|Airlie Beach Race Week, Whitsunday Sailing Club
On Water
May 14, 2019

Airlie Beach Race Week: Re-match on the cards – prize draw for early entries

TP52 racing by any standard is a thrill to watch, particularly when it involves the current top two Australian players in Ichi Ban and Hooligan, with the two heavyweights of yachting returning to Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing to battle it out for the top spot in IRC Racing again.
Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week
On Water
April 6, 2019

First local entry to Airlie Beach Race Week no longer a ‘Mistery’

When Bill Hopton entered his Swarbrick S99 into the 2019 Airlie Beach Race Week, he wasn’t expecting to be the first local in the Festival of Sailing’s fleet.
Multihull Racing, Airlie Beach Race Week|Multihull Racing, Airlie Beach Race Week|Multihull Racing, Airlie Beach Race Week|
On Water
March 19, 2019

Australian Multihull Championship slated for Airlie Beach Race Week

Some of the largest and fastest multihulls, both catamarans and trimarans, will descend on Whitsunday Sailing Club’s (WSC) Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing to compete in the 2019 Australian Multihull Championship, to be held from 8-15 August.
Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week, Whitsunday Sailing Club|Airlie Beach Race Week|Airlie Beach Race Week
On Water
March 4, 2019

Hollywood comes to Airlie Beach Race Week 2019

Entries have opened for Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing 2019, and Ray ‘Hollywood’ Roberts was the first to take advantage, putting his name to paper for the Whitsunday Sailing Club (WSC) hosted Festival of Sailing to be held from 8-15 August.
Sailing Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini||Experiencing the full range of wind at Airlie Beach Race Week - Photo: Andrea Francolini
On Water
August 14, 2018

Airlie Beach Race Week to serve up windy conditions today

Another day, at the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 30th Anniversary Airlie Beach Race Week and the wind gods pulling out all stops with a 22-23 knot south-easterly breeze on order – different again to the previous three days of racing.
Billy the Kid - Photo: Shirley Wodson|John 'Steamer Stanley' - Photo: Di Pearson
On Water
August 14, 2018

Trimaran flips at Airlie Beach Race Week – all aboard are fine

Queenslander Dennis Lehany’s Jim Brown 6 metre trimaran, Billy the Kid, flipped while racing in shifty and gusty 25 knot winds at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing today.
Condor still evokes memories - Photo: Andrea Francolini|A scene from two days ago should be similar to today - Photo: Andrea Francolini
On Water
August 15, 2018

More fabulous conditions forecast for Airlie Beach Race Week

Whoever is in charge up there is certainly favouring Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week, this week, as Race Director Denis Thompson reports, “more trade winds, but lighter than yesterday – probably in the 15 knot range.”
Seagull on the lookout for breeze - Photo: Andrea Francolini|A bid's eye view of the weather - Photo: Andrea Francolini|Glass-out at Airlie Beach - Photo: Andrea Francolini
On Water
August 12, 2018

Racing delayed as wind gods procrastinate at Airlie Beach Race Week

Could be too much of a good thing in one place and after two great and very different days of sailing at Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Airlie Beach Race Week, Race Director, Denis Thompson, was looking at a weak and fading westerly land breeze and keeping competitors ashore while he monitored the situation.
Airlie Beach Race Week
On Water
August 10, 2018

Airlie Beach Race Week starts at a cracking pace!

What a way to start Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 30th Airlie Beach Race Week – a mass two-line downwind start with billowing spinnakers sailing towards Double Cone Island in a light breeze – and a little sports boat, aptly named ‘Heat’ leading the fleet.
||||||||Goggles harks up Mister Magoo - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Ichi Ban, Airlie Beach Race Week|Matt Doyle's La Troisieme Mitemps - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Paul Mitchell's Ullman Sails was outstanding - Photo: Shirley Wodson|Pipeline Drillers gets serious - Photo: Shirley Wodson|
On Water
August 16, 2018

Another successful Airlie Beach Race Week ends

Whitsunday Sailing Club’s 30th Anniversary Airlie Beach Race Week surpassed expectations – anyone would be hard put to remember better weather at a regatta, accentuated by the variety of winds, courses and the sunny days.
Abell Point Marina where the bulk of the fleet is staying - Photo: Vampp Photography|Hammer of Queensland - Photo: Andrew Francolini|Yarrandis' deck is filled with prominent ex-skiff sailors - Photo: Andrea Francolini
On Water
August 12, 2018

Generations of skiff sailors reunite at Airlie Beach Race Week

Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing has been attracting more and more former and current skiff sailors to the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosted event.
Whereswall II - she's rounding up - Photo: Shirley Wodson|All weight on the rail in big breeze - Photo: Shirley Wodson||Hull up and flying - Photo: Shirley Wodson|IRCPassage start - Photo: Shirley Wodson||Sports Boat Peow!! Peow!! guns it - Photo: Shirley Wodson
On Water
August 14, 2018

Spills and thrills – Ichi Ban in control at 30th Airlie Beach Race Week

A sports boat limped home under motor after breaking its rudder, while other boats broached in up to 25 knots wind with gusts, their crews finding it difficult to control their rides – all part and parcel of the forecast superb windy conditions that arrived in time for Day 4 of Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing.
The Race

Race Information

Keep up-to-date with all of the racing info for Airlie Beach Race Week.

Notice Of Race

Outlines rules, schedules, and conditions for the race

Notice Board

Stay informed with updates on the official Notice Board

Entry List

View the official entry list for all competitors of ABRW

Entrant Updates

Ensure your entry details are complete and up-to-date

Divisions

Diverse divisions ensure close competition within categories

Crew Availability

Skippers looking for crew? Or crew looking for boats?

Weather

Weather forecast insights for sailing in the Whitsundays

Race Results

View current and historical race results. How did you perform?

Merchandise

Support and celebrate ABRW with exclusive merchandise!

Social Scene

Experience the Social Side of ABRW

Indulge in a delectable feast while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views. Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience!

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Delicious Food and Lively Entertainment Await

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Connect with Fellow Sailors and Spectators

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Create Lasting Memories at ABRW's Social Events

Accommodation

Accommodation Options in Airlie Beach for ABRW

Are you looking for accommodation during the regatta? Whether you prefer luxury resorts or holiday houses, apartments or villas, cabins or caravan parks, Airlie Beach is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

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Luxury Resorts

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Beachfront Villas

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Waterfront Homes

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Ocean View Apartments

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Cabins

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Caravan Parks

Location

Discover Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and lush tropical landscapes, this is a paradise like no other. Whether you're a sailor, a visitor, or a spectator, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the stunning settings, indulge in thrilling water sports, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Start your unforgettable adventure in Airlie Beach today.

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More Info

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Airlie Beach Race Week and Whitsunday Festival of Sailing.

What is ABRW about?

Airlie Beach Race Week is an annual sailing event that combines competitive racing with social activities in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. It offers a thrilling experience for sailors and a vibrant atmosphere for visitors and spectators.

How can I participate?

To participate in Airlie Beach Race Week, you can register for race entries in various divisions. Visit our Race Information page for more information on how to get involved.

What are the shore-based events?

In addition to the thrilling races, Airlie Beach Race Week offers exciting shore-based events like the long lunch. These events provide opportunities for participants and visitors to socialize and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Airlie Beach.

Where can I find accommodation?

We will provide information on accommodation options in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays to help participants find suitable places to stay during the event. Further details to come...

Are there any local services?

To ensure a smooth experience during Airlie Beach Race Week, we will provide details on local services such as boat rentals, repair shops, food& beverages and other amenities. Plan ahead and make the most of your time in Airlie Beach.

What happens if no berths or moorings are available?

2024 registration is fully refundable in the event you cannot secure a berth or mooring for the event.

Still have questions?

Contact us for further assistance.

Contact us